The Government of India has announced that it will eradicate 20% export duty on onions since April 1. The Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance has issued a notification on this decision. The main purpose of this export duty is to ensure that onions are available in the domestic market. In addition, onion exporters and farmers are expected to benefit from this decision.
Export duty and change
The previous 20% export duty applies to onions, as well as the minimum export price (MEP) and export ban 2023 to 8th May 3, 2024. The aim is to control the onion prices in the domestic market and ensure that it is available. However, the government has now decided to cancel this 20% export duty, which will come into effect from April 1, 2025. It is expected to improve the situation for exporters and farmers.
Shipment and Prices fluctuations
India, the main manufacturer of onion and export, exported 17.17 lakh MT (LMD) onions in the fiscal year 2023-24, and it is estimated to reach 11.65 LMD in 2024-25. There are many ups and downs in onion exports. By September 2024, the monthly exports of onion were 0.72 LMD, which increased to 1.85 LMD by January 2025. This export duty may increase after the removal of the duty, which is likely to benefit farmers.
The purpose of the government is to balance the interests of both farmers and consumers. The government is trying to provide a fair price for the farmer, and ensure that onion prices are unbearable to the public.
Decline
Onions prices have fallen as the new rabbi season has been introduced. Although Mandi prices are more than the previous year, the average sample of all India’s weight has fallen by 39% and a 10% drop in retail prices.
Prices have declined as onion increases in the market. Onions like Lazalkan and Pimplgan have increased in the main skulls of Maharashtra, especially in Maharashtra. On March 21, 2025, the price of onion was registered at Lazalkan at Rs.
This year’s record production of onion
Rabbi onion is expected to be achieved in India. According to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, this year, rabbi onion is estimated at 227 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), 18% higher than 192 lakh metric tons of the previous year. This production is 70-75% of the total onion distribution of India. With this production, the market will be stable until the karif crop in October-November.
The decision was made when the country faced low onions and high prices in the international market since August 2023 last year. Now the good production of the rabbi crop is expected to provide stability and relief at onion prices.
Onion market price in Maharashtra
| Mandi name | Minimum price | Maximum price | Model price |
| Ahmed city | 300 | 1700 | 1300 |
| Acola | 600 | 1600 | 1300 |
| Coinciding | 1000 | 1500 | 1300 |
| Chandrapur (Kanjwar) | 1200 | 1800 | 1500 |
| Moon | 725 | 1416 | 1160 |
| Chhatrapati | 800 | 1600 | 1200 |
| Kolhapur | 600 | 1800 | 1200 |
| Goparkong | 1000 | 1651 | 1325 |
| Nagpur | 1000 | 1800 | 1600 |
| Nashik | 600 | 1600 | 1350 |
| Nevasa (Kotekavan) | 500 | 1600 | 1200 |
| Turmoil | 400 | 1775 | 1350 |
| Bimelgon | 700 | 1421 | 1275 |
| Pune (cat) | 1300 | 2200 | 1700 |
| Pune (Moses) | 300 | 1400 | 850 |
| Pune (Pimpri) | 800 | 1800 | 1300 |
| Rahuri | 200 | 1700 | 1300 |
| Confluence | 400 | 1475 | 938 |
| Lust | 500 | 1900 | 1200 |
| Solapur | 200 | 1900 | 1150 |