In the first quarter of the current financial year, the export of onion from the country has declined. This decline can be attributed to scarcity of good or export quality produce in the market. The country exported 3 lakh tonnes (LT) of onions in the first quarter of the current fiscal, according to Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board.
This is a drop of 44.34% compared to 5.39 LT sent abroad during the corresponding period in the last financial year. Besides, the unseasonal rain and hailstorms earlier this year damaged the summer crop in Nashik district, which contributes 70% of the export.
The central government removed the Minimum Export Price (MEP) of onions on March 3, due to rise in Kharif production. After the rise in the domestic prices due to scarcity of onions, the central government again introduced MEP of $300 on June 17 to control the prices.