Frequent bans on onion exports from India draws ire from farmers, Japan and the US

The US and Japan have raised questions on India’s frequent ban on onion exports at the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming that such sporadic and frequent bans without prior notification put importing countries in a difficult position. Simultaneously, in Maharashtra onion growers have also demanded that the government draft a comprehensive policy on the import and export of onion, instead of taking ad hoc decisions. Both US and Japan have asked India to clarify its actions and give reasons why it has not opted for an export quota, which would allow a certain amount for exports. At the meeting of WTO’s committee on agriculture last month both countries said India was requested to explain its onion exports prohibition. The sudden export ban had also drawn protests from onion farmers as well as neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal that also depend heavily on Indian onions. In September last year, the government had banned exports of all varieties of onions, ...