India to export 1,650 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh

The National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL), India’s export agency, has unveiled plans to procure 1,650 tonnes of onions from private traders at Rs 29/kg for export to Bangladesh, marking the first official export of onions from India in over three months.

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This decision follows the government’s ban on onion exports from December 8 to March 31, aimed at curbing soaring domestic prices. In the wake of the ban, concerns arose over affordability and availability, prompting the Centre to allow limited exports to countries like Bangladesh and the UAE, totalling 64,400 tonnes.

Export restrictions on onions were imposed to stabilize domestic prices, which had surged, causing worries about accessibility. However, this led to a shortage in international markets, especially during Ramadan. Onion exporters noted a rise in smuggling activities during the ban period.