India has exported over 45,000 tonnes of onions since the export ban was lifted earlier this month. The world’s largest vegetable exporter had banned exports of the onion last December and extended the ban in March after prices rose due to sluggish production. To keep onion prices affordable during the election period, the government lifted the ban on May 4 but fixed a minimum export price of USD 550 per tonne.
Since the ban was lifted, more than 45,000 tonnes of onions have been exported, mostly to the Middle East and Bangladesh. These exports provided relief to farmers after curbs were imposed to keep domestic supplies steady ahead of general elections. In India, onion is cultivated in an area of 1.54 million hectares and production is 25.44 million MT, according to the NHB, 2023-24 first advance estimate.
