Nashik: In a major relief for onion-growing farmers, the Bangladesh government has sharply increased the number of import permits issued for onions, raising them fourfold. While only 50 import permits were being issued per day earlier, from December 13 onwards, Bangladesh will issue 200 import permits daily. This move is expected to give a significant boost to onion exports from India and may also trigger an upward trend in onion prices in the domestic market.
After Bangladesh recently reopened imports of Indian onions, around 1,500 tonnes have already reached Bangladeshi markets. The positive impact of this development is now visible in export activity, and signs of price movement are also being felt in domestic and local markets.
The Bangladesh government has taken this decision to stabilise its local onion market. According to information released by the Public Information Department (PID), each import permit allows the import of up to 30 tonnes of onions. As a result, expectations of better prices for Indian onion farmers have increased.
Bangladesh alone accounts for more than 40 per cent of India’s total onion exports. In the financial year 2024–25, onion exports to Bangladesh stood at 4.80 lakh metric tonnes, earning India foreign exchange worth ₹1,724 crore.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that the onion import process will continue until further orders to keep the market stable. This has generated optimism about a sustained rise in Indian onion exports and prices in the coming period.
Vikas Singh, Onion Exporter, said, “The increase in import permits by Bangladesh will significantly support onion exports. If demand continues to rise, exports will gain momentum. In major markets like Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon, controlled arrivals are likely to lead to a gradual improvement in prices.”
Shekhar Kadam, an onion producer, said, “For the past few weeks, onion prices were not even covering production costs. If imports by Bangladesh increase, exports will open up and prices are expected to rise. If this decision continues, it will bring major relief to onion farmers.”
Onion Exports to Bangladesh – Value (₹ Crore)
2020–21: ₹755 crore
2021–22: ₹1,301 crore
2022–23: ₹897 crore
2023–24: ₹1,555 crore
2024–25: ₹1,724 crore
Onion Exports to Bangladesh – Quantity (Metric Tonnes)
2020–21: 5.52 lakh MT
2021–22: 6.58 lakh MT
2022–23: 6.71 lakh MT
2023–24: 7.24 lakh MT
2024–25: 4.80 lakh MT
