Pune: Central Government Greenlights Export of 10,000 Tonnes of Onion to UAE

Pune, 4th April 2024: The Central Government has approved the export of 10,000 tonnes of onion to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signalling a positive move in bilateral trade relations. This export initiative will be facilitated through the National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL), as confirmed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s notification issued on Wednesday (3rd April).

The decision to export one million tonnes of onion stems from efforts to foster amicable ties between the two nations and aligns with the request made by the United Arab Emirates government. To ensure transparency and streamline the export process, the NCEL, a body under the Central Government, will oversee these exports, aiming to mitigate confusion and maintain regulatory compliance.

As the summer onion harvesting commences in the state, it’s noted that a significant portion of summer onion production is earmarked for export. However, the temporary suspension of exports has inflicted substantial financial setbacks on farmers. At the Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee, onion prices ranged from Rs 1100 to 1400 per quintal on Wednesday. There’s a looming concern of further price decline with an anticipated surge in harvesting pace and subsequent inflows. Amol Mule, an onion producer from Sinnar, pointed out that had there been no export restrictions, onion prices would have surged to an average of Rs 3,000 per quintal.

In light of these developments, Atish Borate has urged the NCEL to disclose information regarding onion procurement prices and sources. This transparency is deemed crucial for farmers to comprehend the dynamics of onion exports and their impact on market prices.