The increased wastage has significantly affected farmers, who now face higher costs to recover their losses. Retail onion prices have reached up to Rs 60 per kg in some markets, putting a strain on consumers. Farmers in Maharashtra, the largest onion-producing state, are particularly impacted, as they require at least Rs 40 per kg in wholesale prices to cover their costs. The government’s intervention to release buffer stocks and subsidise prices has raised concerns among farmers about potential price drops, which could further affect their earnings.