Gujarat Government Offers Financial Aid to Onion Farmers: Eligible farmers in Gujarat can apply for a subsidy of Rs 200 per quintal through the i-Khedut 2.0 platform between July 1 and July 15, 2025.
In response to the significant fall in onion prices due to bumper production in Gujarat, the state government has announced the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme for onion farmers. This initiative aims to provide relief to approximately 90,000 farmers who have been affected by the market downturn.
The scheme, managed by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture, offers financial assistance to farmers who sold their onion produce in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) between April 1 and May 31, 2025. The assistance is capped at a maximum of 250 quintals (25,000 kg) of onions per farmer, with a payment of ₹200 per quintal. The maximum financial aid per farmer is ₹50,000.
To apply for this support, eligible farmers must submit their applications online through the i-Khedut 2.0 portal. The application window is open from July 1 to July 15, 2025. It is important to note that the scheme is part of the central government's Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), designed to stabilise farmers' incomes when market prices drop drastically.
The Gujarat government has allocated a total budget of ₹124.36 crore for this scheme, with the aim of benefiting farmers across the state. This financial aid for onion farmers in Gujarat is expected to alleviate the distress caused by the falling market prices, ensuring that farmers receive compensation and can sustain their livelihoods despite adverse market conditions.
This initiative was introduced in response to an estimated production of 248.70 lakh quintals of onions in Gujarat for the 2024-25 season. The oversupply of onions caused prices of red and white onions in major APMCs to fall below production costs, leading to the need for government intervention.
Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel announced the decision, emphasising the government's commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring their financial stability during challenging times. This support marks a significant step towards securing the livelihoods of onion farmers in Gujarat and maintaining the state's position as a major onion producer in India.
Sports enthusiasts across Gujarat can take a break from their passion for fitness and athletics to rejoice at the government's initiative towards the well-being of another group of hardworking individuals. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, although aimed at onion farmers, may inspire similar support in the sports sector, offering relief when circumstances create obstacles for participants' financial stability.
