Onion output may see 20% fall

Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar today said the onion production in the current kharif was likely to drop by 20 per cent to 25 per cent and expressed the hope that this shortfall would be made up by the anticipated higher output of the late kharif crop.

He ruled out any ban on the export of onions in view of the recent rise in domestic prices.

The export orders already secured would have to be carried out. "We could consider importing onions, if need be," he said at a press conference.

He said the anticipated drop in kharif onion crop was due largely to delayed sowing because of excessive rains in Maharashtra.

But the area under the late kharif crop was likely to be more. The production from that crop would take care of the shortfall in kharif output, he maintained.

Asked whether the government would take any action against onion hoarders under the Essential Commodities Act, he said there was no such proposal under the government's consideration at present.