India Records 2.6 Lakh Tonnes of Onion Exports in First Four Months of FY 2024-25

India has exported 2.6 lakh tonnes of onions till July this fiscal year, according to the government. The onion export prohibition was lifted on 4th May 2024, allowing exports with a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne and an export duty of 40 per cent.

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Onion Export Figures

Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs B L Verma stated in a written reply in Lok Sabha that by 31st July 2024, India had exported a total of 2.60 lakh tonnes of onions in the current financial year 2024-25. In the previous fiscal year, India had exported 16.07 lakh tonnes of onions.

Procurement and Price Stabilisation

Verma also mentioned that the government procured 4.68 lakh tonnes of onions, mainly from Maharashtra, through NCCF and NAFED for the price stabilisation buffer. The average procurement price for the buffer this year was Rs 2,833 per quintal, which is 64 per cent higher than last year's Rs 1,724 per quintal.

Price Realisation for Farmers

The price realisation for onion farmers this year has been significantly higher compared to last year. Between April and July 2024, the average monthly mandi modal prices in Maharashtra ranged from Rs 1,230 to Rs 2,578 per quintal. This is a substantial increase from Rs 693 to Rs 1,205 per quintal during the same period last year.

Net Export Value

India is a net exporter of onions and has earned considerable income from exports over the past three years. The net export values were Rs 3,326.99 crore in 2021-22, Rs 4,525.91 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 3,513.22 crore in 2023-24.

The government's measures have led to better price realisation for farmers and increased export earnings for the country.