(a) whether the Government has received any representation regarding banning of imports,
removing the ban on exports of onions, increase in subsidy on the lines of sugar and fixing a
minimum support price for onion; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): An Empowered Committee on onion appointed by the Government of Maharashtra have
submitted its report on December, 2003 with the following recommendations:
- to remove the restriction on ban on export of onion, providing MSP for onion @
Rs.5/kg.;
- to provide assistance as handling charges for export of onion on the lines of sugar;
- removal of onion from Essential Commodity Act, 1955.
Government of India has removed onion from the Essential Commodity Act during 2004-
05 and all restrictions on export of onion since May, 2003. There is no export subsidy for onion
provided by Government. However, Government of Maharashtra is providing export subsidy @
Rs.10,000/container of onion.