Onion Export Ban Not Imposed Amid The Onion Prices Crash In Maharashtra

The Centre has assured onion growers in Maharashtra that no onion export ban will be imposed despite the sharp fall in prices in the major producing regions such as Nashik. The announcement comes amid growing farmer distress as market prices of onion have dropped. It forces many growers to sell onions at lower rates, like 50 paise to Rs. 2 per kg, which is even less than their production costs.

Over the past few weeks, onion arrivals in wholesale mandis have increased sharply due to fresh harvest supplies. It further resulted in a decline in onion prices. Onion farmers in Nashik and nearby districts have expressed concern that low market rates are making it difficult to recover cultivation, transportation, and storage expenses. Moreover, the situation has triggered protests and demands for government support to protect farmer incomes.

Responding to this, the Centre has assured growers that onion exports will continue without restrictions. It helps in maintaining overseas demand and preventing additional pressure on onion prices in the country. According to officials, imposing an onion export ban at this stage could reduce market opportunities further.

The government has announced that procurement agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will come ahead and direct onion purchases from farmers. These procurement measures are expected to support market prices and reduce distress sales in major onion-producing regions. Authorities have also emphasised the use of transparent grading systems to ensure fair pricing. The Centre further directed the close monitoring of onion supply and price movements to maintain market stability. Industry observers believe that continued procurement support and uninterrupted exports could help stabilise prices in the upcoming weeks. Interestingly, Maharashtra is one of India’s largest onion-producing states, and changing prices in Nashik often influence the broader national onion market.