Aurangabad: Ravindra Madhikar is yet to get over the shock of earning only Rs 175 after selling 450kg of small onions in the Lasur wholesale market. "We have not been able to recover our expenses," Madhikar said.Many farmers, including those growing sugarcane, chose to onion because of the drought. "I used to wonder why farmers take the drastic decision of ending their lives. Others said they spend between Rs 50,000 and Rs 80,000 per acre. But after Wednesday's deal, I am also feeling suicidal," said the onion producer in his early thirties from Gangapur taluka of Aurangabad district.Lasur, which has one of the biggest wholesale markets of onions in Marathwada, is witnessing auction at throwaway prices of 50 paisa a kg, while the better quality produce is selling at Rs 500-600 per 100kg.

Source: Times of India May 12, 2016 21:07 UTC