Sat Sep 14 05:55:53 UTC 2024: ## India Lifts Minimum Export Price on Onions, Paving Way for Increased Trade
**New Delhi, [Date]** – India has removed the minimum export price (MEP) on onions, effectively allowing for unrestricted exports of the staple vegetable, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced today.
The decision follows a robust harvest of the kharif crop, favorable monsoon conditions, and stable market prices both at wholesale and retail levels.
Earlier this year, on May 4th, the government lifted the outright ban on onion exports imposed in December 2023, but imposed an MEP of USD 550 per tonne and a 40% export duty.
The ban was implemented due to concerns over domestic onion supply, but the recent favorable conditions have alleviated these concerns.
The lifting of the MEP is expected to boost onion exports, generating revenue for Indian farmers and strengthening India’s position as a major onion supplier in the global market.
It is noteworthy that while the export restrictions were in place, the government allowed some exports on a case-by-case basis, granting permissions to countries who made requests.
The rbi onion harvest, which accounts for 65% of India’s total onion production, is harvested during April-June and provides the majority of the nation’s supply until the kharif crop is harvested in October-November.
First Piper 