NEW DELHI: As retail onion prices has shot up recently, the Centre has
said that it will relax fumigation norms and facilitate import of the
key kitchen staple from Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey and Iran to boost the
domestic supply. A decision in this regard was taken at the meeting of
an Inter-Ministerial committee, headed by Consumer Affairs Secretary
Avinash K Srivastava, which reviewed the prices and availability of
onions in the Country.
“It (supply) is expected to improve in the coming days. Union
Government to act as a facilitator for import of onion. Phytosanitary
and fumigation requirement to be suitably liberalised to facilitate
imports,” said a statement issued by the Consumer Affairs Ministry.
Indian missions in Afghanistan, Egypt, Turkey and Iran will be
requested to facilitate the supply of onions to India. This is expected
to facilitate immediate import of 80 containers and diversion of 100
containers in high seas to India, the Ministry said.
Elaborating, a senior Consumer Affairs Ministry official said that the
Indian missions in these countries will discuss with private traders and
see if imports can be facilitated.
Currently, imported onions are allowed in the Country after the
commodity is fumigated with Methyl Bromide and certified by the
exporting nation. Importers are required to pay huge charges if
fumigated at Indian ports. This provision will be liberalised, he said.
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