Onion

What it is

Grown in kharif, late kharif and rabi; rabi onion stores best. Used fresh and in dehydrated flakes and powder.

Red, pink and white onionSize grades for export (e.g. 55 mm and above)Dehydration-grade white onion

Where India produces it

1. MaharashtraNashikAhilyanagarPuneChhatrapati SambhajinagarJalgaon

   2023-24: 8602 thousand tonnes (35% of India)

2. Madhya PradeshIndoreSagarShajapurKhandwa (East Nimar)Ujjain

   2023-24: 4166.31 thousand tonnes (17% of India)

3. GujaratBhavnagarAmreliGir SomnathRajkotMorbi

   2023-24: 2057 thousand tonnes (8% of India)

4. KarnatakaVijayapuraBagalkoteChitradurgaDharwadKoppal

   2023-24: 1637.89 thousand tonnes (7% of India)

5. RajasthanJodhpurSikarNagaurAlwarJhunjhunu

   2023-24: 1630.5 thousand tonnes (7% of India)

Where imports come from

India is self-sufficient and a large exporter.

Rules before you buy or sell

• Farm-gate trade usually goes through a state APMC mandi or e-NAM; the state's market fee and trader licence rules apply.
• Import and export are governed by the ITC(HS) policy; check the current DGFT notification before you sign a contract, because policy for farm goods changes often.
• Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 the Centre can set stock limits for traders and processors; check current orders.
• FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).

Storage and handling

Ventilated onion stores (kanda chawl) for rabi onion; avoid moisture to limit rotting and sprouting.

Businesses that use it

Dehydrated Onion and Garlic →Onion Paste Making →Dehydrated Vegetables →Pickle (Achar) Unit →