instakhabar | प्रकाशित मिति: २०८० माघ ८, सोमबार १९:३६The decline in onion prices in the Indian markets has prompted the Indian government to reconsider its export ban. Similarly, in Nepal, prices have dropped as the supply normalized despite the ban. However, Nepali authorities are unaware of how Indian onions are being imported into Nepal, with some traders suggesting that imports are happening through contacts, and Indian authorities are allowing entry without restrictions.
The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market in Nepal saw wholesale onion prices at Rs80 per kg, with retail prices at Rs100 per kg. The prices had spiked to Rs200 per kg after India’s export ban on December 8. The ban, enforced until March 31, has had a ripple effect across Asia, causing price surges and prompting countries to seek alternative sources.
Traders anticipate a return to normal onion prices in Nepal as India considers lifting the ban. Indian media reports suggest the government may allow onion exports through cooperatives to address the sharp price decline.
In Maharashtra, India’s largest onion-producing state, prices fell from IRs3,700 per quintal to IRs1,500 per quintal two weeks ago. Indian farmers and traders are urging the government to lift the ban to prevent further price declines.
Despite the ban, Nepal has experienced normal onion supply, and prices have decreased due to the decline in Indian prices. The Kalimati market received 75 tonnes of onions soon after the export ban, followed by 82 tonnes on Friday.
Nepal heavily relies on India for onion supply, and changes in Indian policies have led to increased prices of various food commodities in Nepal. The imposition of export duties and minimum export prices by India has contributed to fluctuations in onion prices in Nepal.
After India’s ban on onion exports, there has been an increase in smuggling, with district police seizing hundreds of sacks of onions daily in bordering areas. The Customs officials report a significant rise in onion smuggling at Nepal-India border points.
Despite the ban, the wholesale price of onions in Nepal remains around Rs80 per kg, while in India’s Uttar Pradesh, it is IRs27 per kg. The import of onions to Nepal has declined by 38.47 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, with 46,592 tonnes imported for Rs1.93 billion compared to 86,386 tonnes for Rs3.15 billion in the same period last fiscal year. Imports from China were 594 tonnes worth Rs40.82 million, while Nepal imported 180,190 tonnes of onions worth Rs6.75 billion from India in the last fiscal year.
