Onion Exports Resume: 100,000 Tonnes Cleared for Neighboring Countries

The Indian government has announced the resumption of onion exports, allowing over 1 lakh tonnes (100,000 tonnes) to be shipped to six neighboring countries. This decision comes amidst concerns about lower onion production in the 2023-24 Kharif and Rabi seasons, coupled with a rise in global demand for the vegetable.

This move follows a previous authorization for the export of 2,000 tonnes of white onion, a variety particularly sought after in international markets. Notably, India had imposed a ban on onion exports last year to ensure domestic availability after a significant drop in production. However, the government has made exceptions for specific quantities in response to diplomatic requests.

The latest export approval applies to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Mauritius. These countries are expected to benefit from the additional supply, potentially leading to price stabilization in their markets.