Japan, US object to India’s frequent bans on onion exports

The US and Japan have raised questions on India’s frequent ban on onion exports at the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming that such prohibitions without prior notification put importing countries in a difficult position. This, in turn, has resulted in Maharashtra onion growers demanding that the Centre 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 number of 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.Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised this issue at a business forum meeting in Delhi. The minutes of ...