Onion
The government has withdrawn 20 percent export duty on onions from April 1. This step has been taken to protect the interests of farmers. In fact, onion prices have declined in major productive states due to increase in the arrival of Rabi crop. The prices of onion, the largest onion wholesale markets in Lasalgaon and Pimplegaon, Maharashtra, had prices at Rs 1,330 per quintal and Rs 1,325 per quintal respectively. The ministry said that last month, the All India weighted average model prices fell by 39 percent. Similarly, in the last one month, the All India average retail prices fell by 10 percent. With this decision of the government, onion producing farmers will get the right price as the prices will not fall. Experts say that as far as impact on the common people is concerned, this decision will not affect immediate effect. Onion bumper is being supplied in the market. Due to this, there is no possibility of increasing price.
Bumper production estimates
The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that this year the production of Rabi onion will be 227 lakh tonnes, which is 18 percent more than the previous year’s 192 lakh tonnes. The statement issued by the government said that after receiving a letter from the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Revenue Department has issued a notification in this regard. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs said that this decision is another proof of the government’s commitment to ensure beneficial prices for farmers and maintain a fair price of onions for consumers. Wholesale and retail prices have declined after expecting a good amount of rabi crops. Export duty is applicable from September 2024. However, despite this, onion exports reached 11.65 lakh tonnes by 18 March in the current financial year. In September 2024, the monthly export of onion increased from 0.72 lakh tonnes to 1.85 lakh tonnes in January this year.
Kharif crop arrived inward
Rabi onion, which holds 70-75 percent in India’s total production, is important for market stability until the arrival of kharif crop starts in October-November. The ministry said that prices may further decrease in the coming months due to high production estimates in this session. To ensure domestic availability, the government had previously implemented various export restrictions from December 8, 2023 to May 20, 2024. This was followed by 20 percent export duty in September 2024, which has now been removed.
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