India News: Government lifts ban on onion exports, allowing traders in Maharashtra to export at $550/tonne with a 40% export duty. Market conditions, crop volume,
The export prohibition has been imposed to ensure adequate domestic availability against the backdrop of estimated lower Kharif and Rabi crops in 2023-24 compared to the previous year.
India has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely, a move that comes ahead of a general election and is expected to exacerbate high prices in some overseas markets. The ban, imposed in December, was due to expire on March 31. Traders had anticipated it would be lifted, but the government issued an order late on Friday. India, the world s biggest onion exporter, accounts for more than half of all onion imports by Asian countries.
According to sources, the decision has been taken following a recommendation from the External Affairs Ministry and after several countries made a request for the supply of onion from India.
"The government has misled us on the lifting of the ban on export of onions. No such decision has been made. This government has only one goal, that is to safeguard traders and kill farmers," said party's state unit chief Jayant Patil.