Robust Demand From S-E, West Asia Increases Indian Onion Exports by 49%

The first nine months of the current fiscal year saw a 49% jump in onion exports compared to the volume of 1.72 million tonnes (mt) and gained 15% in dollar terms. This is in comparison to the same period a year ago; on account of the robust demand from South-East Asian countries and West Asia.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (APEDA), has aided in the creation of the Onion Export Promotion Forum. The financial year 2022-2023 is bound to exceed the previous year’s shipment level, looking at the strong demand from buyers like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia among other countries.

According to current trade input, there is an increasing demand for Indian onions on the global market, and according to APEDA Chairman M. Angamuthu, exports will likely surpass those of the previous year. In 2021–2022, India sold onions worth $460 million to Bangladesh, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Qatar, Vietnam, Oman, Kuwait, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Maldives, and Mauritius, among other countries.

India contributes to about 1/4th of the global onion output, making it the third in line after Netherlands and Mexico. APEDA has started with frequent interaction in addressing the supply chain, sensitizing the trade and making it compliant with the standards of exporting countries, and following up regularly with the concerned stakeholders. These include government agencies, India’s missions abroad, exporters, and Research and development, among others, according to chairman Angamuthu.

While the exports are good, said Ajit Shah, President of the Horticulture Produce Association, the growth in overseas demand does not match the rise in production.

“The impact of the ban on exports has been imposed by India in 2019-2020 has led countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh to grow their own onions. This has been affecting the demand as they were our key buyers. Countries like the Philippines favour Chinese onions and have stopped importing from us,” said Shah.