(a) whether there is a shortage of onion seeds in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government has decided not to export onion seeds;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor and if not, the details of the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(d) whether the Government provides subsidy for constructing storage facility for onions, and if so the details thereof?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): Yes, due to heavy and erratic rainfall, the onion seeds production crops got affected in the major onion growing State i.e. Maharashtra resulting to shortage of onion seeds in the country. Accordingly, Govt. of Maharashtra requested to withhold the export of onion seeds and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) vide Notification no.43/2015-20 dated 29th October, 2020 prohibited the export of onion seeds.
(d): Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare through Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) provides assistance for creation of low cost onion storage structure for which assistance is given @50% of maximum cost of Rs.1.75 Lakh/Unit having a capacity of 25 MT.
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