2024-04-28 04:44:17
New Delhi: The central government on Saturday gave permission to send 99,150 tonnes of onions to six countries. It has taken this decision despite the ban on exports. The Center has also allowed export of 2,000 tonnes of specially grown white onions for the markets of West Asia and some European countries. The government had banned the export of onion on December 8, 2023.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onions to six countries. These include Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.
Why was onion export banned?
The export restriction has been imposed to ensure adequate domestic availability as Kharif and Rabi production in 2023-24 is estimated to be lower compared to last year. Last year, onion prices had increased in the domestic market due to reduced production. This ban harmed Indian farmers. They got lower prices for their crops.
How much is the target of onion purchase?
National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL), the agency that exports onions to these countries, has procured domestic onions for export through the e-platform. Under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) of the Consumer Affairs Department, the target of buffer purchase of onion from Rabi-2024 has been fixed at 5 lakh tonnes this year.
These are procured by central agencies NCCF and NAFED. These are linking local agencies like FPO/FPC/PAC to support procurement, storage and registration of farmers to undertake procurement of any storable onion.
A high level team of DOCA, NCCF and NAFED visited Nashik and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra during 11-13 April to create awareness among farmers, FPOs/FPCs and PACs about procurement of 5 LMT onion for PSF buffer. Had visited.