Farmer opens unsold onion field to public in Osmaniye

In the Harkaçtığı village of Osmaniye's Kadirli district, a farmer facing difficulties selling his onion harvest has opened his approximately 10-decare field to the public. Citizens have flocked to the field, gathering free onions.

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Onions are 40 lira in the market, but here they are free if you put in the effort to pick them. We've become dependent on dry bread and onions, as Mahsuni Şerif says.

One resident remarked, "Onions are 40 lira in the market, but here they are free if you put in the effort to pick them. We've become dependent on dry bread and onions, as Mahsuni Şerif says." Another added, "We made onion bundles for free. The man plowed the field but couldn't profit, so we came."

Many expressed the financial strain of current market prices. "I'm collecting onions for free. They're a bit small, but still good," said one individual whose spouse recently retired. "Onions are 40 lira in the market. My wife just retired, and the pension isn't enough. What can I say to the farmer? May God help him. He plants, incurs many expenses, but they're losing money, it's not working out."

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We made onion bundles for free. The man plowed the field but couldn't profit, so we came.

The sentiment of gratitude was palpable. "We're collecting onions, what else can we do? For the man's sake. May God bless his ancestors," said another. "He planted but couldn't sell. We can't afford them either; they're too expensive. I collected a bag and a half, which should last me a year if they don't spoil. I'll use them in every dish."

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I'm collecting onions for free. They're a bit small, but still good. Onions are 40 lira in the market. My wife just retired, and the pension isn't enough. He plants, incurs many expenses, but they're losing money, it's not working out.

The situation underscores the broader economic challenges faced by both producers and consumers in Turkey, where rising costs for essentials like fuel and food are making basic necessities unaffordable for many. The farmer's decision, while born of necessity, has provided a much-needed relief for the local community.

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He planted but couldn't sell. We can't afford them either; they're too expensive. I collected a bag and a half, which should last me a year if they don't spoil. I'll use them in every dish.