Rabi onion harvested during April-June accounts for 65 per cent of India’s onion production and meets the consumer’s demand till the Kharif crop is harvested in October-November.
India has completely removed all restrictions on the export of onions following a robust production of Kharif crops in 2024, favorable monsoon forecasts and stable market conditions at the mandi and retail level.
“All restrictions on onion export have been removed with effect from today,” Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Dept. of Consumer Affairs said at a press conference in Delhi.
Khare said the decision to lift all restrictions on onion exports was taken due to robust kharif crop production in 2024 and other key factors, such as market stability which would ensure that the supply and demand of the staple will remain under control in the near future.
“This is basically taking into account the Rabi 2024 production and approved Kharif prospect because of above normal monsoon,” she said, adding “the current market situation which was stable both at Mandi and retail and also the international availability and prices situation.”
As per an official estimate, the Rabi 2024 onion production is about 191 lakh tons, which is reasonably comfortable considering monthly domestic consumption of about 17 lakh tons.
The government had prohibited the export of onions late last year citing the need to to increase domestic supply against an estimated 20 per cent decline in the Kharif and late Kharif production. The ban had come into effect on December 8, 2023.
Officials said the export ban helped the government in maintaining stable prices till the arrival of Rabi 2024 crop.
The removal of export restrictions is expected to bolster India’s onion trade and contribute to the country’s overall economic stability. With favorable crop conditions and ample supply, the move is likely to benefit both domestic consumers and export markets, ensuring steady prices and ample availability of onions in the coming months.
Rabi onion harvested during April-June accounts for 65 per cent of India’s onion production and meets the consumer’s demand till the Kharif crop is harvested in October-November.
(With ANI inputs)