Solapur Farmer Receives Meager ₹2 Cheque for 500 Kg Onion Sale Amidst Price Drop

Solapur, 22nd February 2023: Rajendra Tukaram Chavan, a farmer from Barshi in Solapur district, faced a severe blow to his income when he received a cheque for a mere ₹2 for selling 500 kg of onions. On February 17, 2023, Chavan had sold his onions at the Solapur market yard, where prices have dropped to a low of ₹1 per kg. After accounting for car fare, labour, and weighing costs, he was left with just ₹2. Surya Traders, a trader in the market yard, gave him the cheque, which has caused outrage, mainly due to the date on it, March 8, 2023, that appears to be a deliberate insult.

The image of the receipt and cheque given to Chavan have gone viral on social media, with many expressing their disgust at the trader’s behavior towards the farmer. Raju Shetty, the leader of the Swabhimani Farmers Association and former MP, has also expressed his anger and demanded appropriate action be taken against those responsible. The incident has once again highlighted the dire situation of farmers in India, who are often left at the mercy of middlemen and traders.