Removal of Export Duty on Onions to Aid Millions of Farmers in Maharashtra

Synopsis

Maharashtra officials applaud the Centre's decision to remove the 20% export duty on onions, effective April 1. This move is expected to significantly benefit onion farmers by ensuring better prices for their produce while maintaining affordability for consumers.

Key Takeaways

Export duty removal is effective from April 1.
Decision praised by Maharashtra leaders.
Impacts millions of onion farmers positively.
Previous restrictions on onion exports were in place.
Monthly exports have seen significant growth.

Mumbai, March 23 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate expressed their approval on Saturday regarding the Centre's announcement to eliminate the 20 per cent export duty on onions effective from April 1.

Shinde conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for this pivotal decision.

“The government consistently urged both the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Cooperation to lower the export duty on onions. With this duty being revoked, onion growers will now have the opportunity to secure better prices,” he noted.

Kokate emphasized that this decision will have a positive impact on millions of onion farmers throughout the state.

He added that the successful outcome was a result of diligent follow-ups and communication with the central government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

"This measure by the Central government is vital for the farmers in the region. The removal of the 20 per cent export duty on onions will enable farmers to achieve fair prices for their yields," he stated.

Kokate further noted that to maintain domestic supply, the government had previously placed restrictions on onion exports from December 8, 2023, to May 3, 2024. These restrictions included export duties, a Minimum Export Price (MEP), and at times, a complete export ban.

The 20 per cent export duty, in place since September 13, 2024, has now been lifted.

Despite the export limitations, a total of 17.17 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of onions were exported in the 2023-24 financial year, with 11.65 LMT exported in the 2024-25 financial year (as of March 18).

Monthly onion exports surged from 0.72 LMT in September 2024 to 1.85 LMT in January 2025. This decision is designed to guarantee that farmers receive fair prices for their products while also keeping onions affordable for consumers, he concluded.