Delhi, 22 March (H.S.): The Government of India has revoked the 20% duty on onion exports, effective from 1st April, 2025, following a notification from the Department of Revenue upon the request of the Department of Consumer Affairs. To ensure sufficient domestic onion availability, the government previously implemented measures including export duties, a minimum export price (MEP), and an export prohibition from 8th December, 2023, to 3rd May, 2024.

The export duty was active since 13th September, 2024. Despite these restrictions, onion exports totaled 17.17 LMT in FY 2023-24 and 11.65 LMT in FY 2024-25 (up to 18th March), with monthly exports increasing from 0.72 LMT in September 2024 to 1.85 LMT in January 2025.

This decision reflects the government's commitment to fair pricing for farmers and affordable onion prices for consumers, especially as mandi and retail prices have softened due to the expected good arrival of rabi crops. Current mandi prices, while above prior year levels, show a 39% decline in the all-India weighted average modal prices, with retail prices down by 10% in the last month. Rabi onion production is projected at 227 LMT, an 18% increase, aiding overall availability and price stability until the kharif crop arrives later in the year. This positive production outlook alleviates concerns over previous lower domestic output and high international prices.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar