Farmers will now be able to export onions without any export duty, as the government has decided to remove it starting from April 1. This information was provided by the Revenue Department. It’s important to note that before September 13, 2024, the government had imposed a 20% export duty on onions.
Cheaper Onions
As a result, onion prices have fallen, with the average price of onions across the country dropping by about 39%. In the retail market, onion prices have decreased by 10% over the past month. Previously, the government had implemented a Minimum Export Price (MEP) to maintain onion availability, and from December 8, 2023, to May 3, 2024, an export ban was also imposed.
Export of 17.17 Lakh Metric Tons of Onions
Despite the export ban, India exported a total of 17.17 lakh metric tons (LMT) of onions during the 2023-24 fiscal year. By March 18, 2024, the export had reached 11.65 lakh metric tons. The export rate has also increased, with 72,000 tons of onions exported in September 2024, rising to 1.85 lakh tons by January 2025.
Prices Drop to ₹1330 Per Quintal
Increased onion supply has led to a drop in market prices. In major markets like Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon, where onion arrivals have increased, prices have further decreased. On March 21, 2025, the prices in these markets were ₹1330 per quintal and ₹1325 per quintal.
Onion Production Estimated at 227 LMT This Year
According to government estimates, this year’s Rabi onion production is expected to reach 227 lakh metric tons (LMT), which is 18% more than last year. Rabi onions account for 70-75% of India’s total onion production, and the good harvest in the coming months is expected to help stabilize prices. This is expected to bring further relief to onion prices in the coming months.
Shashi Rai
