govt-allows-export-of-99-150-tonnes-of-onion-to-6-countries

The Indian government has permitted the export of 99,150 metric tonnes of onions to six countries, including Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Saturday.

The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), designated as the agency for onion export, has procured onions domestically through an e-platform at competitive prices and supplied them to government-nominated agencies in destination countries, ensuring 100% advance payment.

Maharashtra, as the largest onion producer in the country, serves as the primary supplier for onions earmarked for export by NCEL.

In addition to regular onions, the government has also allowed the export of 2,000 metric tonnes of white onions specifically cultivated for markets in the Middle East and certain European countries.

White onions, being solely export-oriented, incur higher production costs due to factors such as expensive seeds, adherence to good agricultural practices, and compliance with stringent maximum residue limit requirements.

To stabilize prices further, the government has set a procurement target of 5 lakh tonnes of onions from the Rabi-2024 harvest under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Central agencies such as NCCF and NAFED are collaborating with local agencies to facilitate procurement, storage, and farmer registration.

A recent initiative aimed at reducing storage losses involves enhancing the quantum of onions to be irradiated and cold-stored from 1,200 MT last year to over 5,000 MT this year, with technical support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai.

 Last year's pilot project on onion irradiation and cold storage successfully reduced storage losses to less than 10%.

A high-level team from the Department of Consumer Affairs, NCCF, and NAFED visited Nashik and Ahmednagar Districts of Maharashtra in April 2024 to raise awareness among farmers and local cooperatives regarding the procurement of onions for the PSF buffer.

The ban on onion exports, excluding those to the aforementioned six countries and for white onions, remains in effect to ensure domestic supply and price stability.