Onion import News

In Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is in power, some workers of Samajwadi Party’s youth wing came up with a unique way to lodge their protest against rising onion prices by setting up a counter in Varanasi where they gave 'onions on loan'.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the inter-ministerial committee on Tuesday as it again reviewed the prices and availability of onions.

As onion prices continue at a high of Rs 60-70, India is importing large quantities of the much-needed vegetable from Egypt, which has exported 18,000 tonnes to India during the last two months.

State-owned MMTC has invited bids for import of 10,000 tonnes of onion from countries like Pakistan, Egypt, China and Afghanistan to boost domestic supply and check prices.

The government, under pressure to check retail onion prices that have shot up to Rs 80 per kg across the country, Thursday approved bids for import of 1,000 tonnes of onion at Rs 45 per kg and has decided to buy more from overseas markets to boost domestic supply.

Union Minister for Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar defended the government on the issue of rising onion prices here Monday and claimed that the BJP never coined slogans like "Acche Din Aayenge (good days will come)".

Wholesale onion prices at Lasalgaon in Maharasthra, Asia's biggest onion market, have almost touched Rs 60/kg, while retail prices across the country have risen up to Rs 80 per kg, adding to consumer woes.

Onion prices, which are already ruling at around Rs 80 per kg in most parts of the country, are likely to increase further by 10 percent on tight supplies due to unseasonal rains affecting the crops.

With retail price of onion crossing Rs 50 per kg, the Centre Monday said it is in the process of importing 10,000 tonnes of onions and asked states to crack down on hoarders to ensure adequate supplies in the market.

In a cautious move against possible hike in onion prices in the festive season, the government Monday relaxed norms for import of the kitchen staple till November to boost domestic supply and check rates.