In the wake of Pakistan’s ban on Indian agricultural produce, including onions and cotton, Maharashtra has announced plans to export its surplus crops via Bangladesh. West Bengal (WB), the country’s largest exporter of onions to Bangladesh and Europe, could play a pivotal role in this new trade route. Interestingly, Pakistan itself imports onions from Bangladesh, creating an alternative pathway for Indian farmers to reach the market.
Sadabhau Khot, Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Agriculture, has embarked on a six-day visit to West Bengal and Assam to meet members of Agriculture Produce Market Committees (Mandis). “As West Bengal is the biggest importer of onions from Maharashtra and exports them to Bangladesh, eastern countries, and Europe, our farmers will benefit by tying up with new traders in WB and Assam,” said Mr Khot. “The government is exploring the possibility of exporting Maharashtra onions to Pakistan through Bangladesh,” the Asian Age reports.
During the 2015-16 season, Maharashtra produced 67.67 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of onions, 20 lakh MT higher than the previous year. Over 50 per cent of onion exports to West Bengal originate from Maharashtra, with Nashik alone contributing 80 per cent of that share. Due to a bumper crop, domestic prices have fallen, increasing farmers’ reliance on export markets.
Addressing concerns over the Pakistan ban, Mr Khot said, “Pakistan will purchase onions from Bangladesh. Our trade will not be affected even though Pakistan has banned imports from India. We have another route through Bangladesh.”
He further noted that although Assam and West Bengal do not produce onions, West Bengal’s major ports will facilitate global distribution of the produce.