Centre lifts export ban on onion with effect from January 1

In September, the government had prohibited exports due to a spurt in prices

The Centre on Monday announced the lifting of the ban on the export of onions from January 1.

"Central Government removes prohibition for the export of all varieties of Onions with effect from 01.01.2021,” an official statement said.

The Centre had imposed the ban on the export of onions in September due to a sharp spike in the prices of the kitchen staple.

Onion prices have begun to moderate on the arrival of the fresh crop this month. In the national capital, onions were retailing at Rs 35/kg, a sharp fall from Rs 70/kg in October-November.

Earlier this month, the Centre had extended relaxed norms for onion imports till January 31 next year, to boost domestic supply and check the retail prices of the bulb.

The government had said the consignments of imported onions, which arrive in Indian ports without fumigation and such endorsement on the phytosanitary certificate (PSC), would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider.