Export of certain onion varieties in limited quantities allowed

The Centre on Friday decided to give partial relief to onion exporters by easing restrictions on certain varieties of the staple for foreign shipments.

Accordingly, 'Bangalore Rose' and 'Krishnapuram' varieties up to 10,000 MT each can now be exported, subject to certain conditions.

"The export shipment of 'Bangalore Rose' onions shall be allowed only through Chennai port and export to be completed by March 31, 2021," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification in this regard.

"An exporter shall have to get a certificate from the Horticulture Commissioner, Government of Karnataka, certifying the item and the quantity of 'Bangalore Rose' onions to be exported.

On 'Krishnapuram' variety, the DGFT mandated that exporters need to get certificates from the Assistant Director, Horticulture, Kadapa, the government of Andhra Pradesh, certifying the quantity of onions for export purposes.

Last month, the Centre had prohibited export of onions with immediate effect.

In the revised policy issued in September, the export of all varieties, including  'Bangalore Rose' and 'Krishnapuram' onions, excluding cut, sliced or broken in powder form, were prohibited.