Election Commission nod taken before lifting ban on onion exports: Govt sources
The Hindu
Government lifts onion export ban Lok Sabha polls after getting EC’s permission, move to boost farmers' income
The Centre has taken permission from the Election Commission of India to lift the onion export ban as the Model Code of Conduct is in effect due to the Lok Sabha elections, sources said.
The government lifted the ban on onion exports, a decision that can help boost farmers’ incomes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in key producing regions, including Maharashtra.
The government has imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $550 per tonne (around ₹46 per kg) and 40% export duty. Taking duty into account, the shipments will not be allowed below $770 per tonne (around Rs 64 per kg).
The decision to lift the ban on exports of onion was on the recommendation of the Department of Consumer Affairs, which monitors the availability and price situation of onion in the country.
According to government sources, the Department of Revenue under the Finance Ministry took permission from the ECI to lift the ban on onion exports.
The decision assumes importance as it comes before the crucial Lok Sabha polls in key onion belts like Nashik, Ahmednagar and Solapur in Maharashtra. Farmers of this region have been demanding a lifting of the ban so that they can get a better price for their produce.
On December 8 last year, the Centre had banned onion exports in early December to control retail prices amid concerns over likely fall in production. During the last 4-5 years, the country annually exported between 17 lakh and 25 lakh tonnes of onions.