India has lifted the minimum export price (MEP) for onions, as announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This move follows positive kharif crop forecasts and favorable monsoon conditions, alongside stable market conditions at both mandi and retail levels.
Previously, on May 4, 2024, the government had removed the export ban on onions but had imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne and a 40 percent export duty. Initially, in early December 2023, India had prohibited onion exports until March 2024, later extending the restriction until further notice. During this period, exports were allowed only with specific permissions granted by the central government based on requests from other countries.
Rabi onions, harvested between April and June, make up 65 percent of India’s onion production and satisfy consumer demand until the kharif crop is harvested in October-November.