By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Dec. 30: India has lifted the ban on onion export to many countries, including Nepal.
The Department of Foreign Trade under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday decided to lift the ban, according to the Department of Customs.
Spokesperson of the Department of Customs Sishir Ghimire said that he had received information that India had decided to lift the ban on onion export after three and a half months.
"The export ban on Indian onions has been lifted. The decision will come into effect from January 1, 2021," he said.
India had imposed a ban on onion exports on September 14 citing shortage of onions in the country.
The price of onion skyrocketed in the Nepali market after the ban as Nepal heavily depends on imported onions.
The government had taken action against a dozen vendors and shops selling onion at a higher price cashing in on the short supply.
It is estimated that the price of onion will decrease in the Nepali market as soon as the ban is lifted.
According to onion trader of Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Bharat Upreti, the price of onion will decrease by up to Rs. 10 per kilogram in the wholesale market after the Indian onion arrives here through the formal channel.
The price of onion is Rs. 65 per kilogram in the wholesale market.
Although Indian government had imposed a ban on the export of onion, Indian onion is still arriving in Nepal.
“Onion is entering Nepal from India despite the ban in the export by the government of India. But its price is comparatively high in the market,” he said.