GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4267

ANSWERED ON:06.12.2010

EXPORT PRICE OF ONION

ANANT KUMAR HEGDE

(a)whether the export price of onion is changed frequently;

(b)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c)whether the export price of onions have been fixed after announcing difference in prices during the period from April, 2010 to November, 2010;

(d)if so, the date-wise, amount-wise details of the said difference; and

(e)the name of the authority entrusted with the power for fixing export price alongwith the reasons for entrusting the power thereto?

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:- 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a)& (b): The Govt. of India reviews the market situation of onion every fortnight and in case the need arises for revision of Minimum Export Price (MEP), the same is revised. This scheme is regulated through the mechanism of Minimum Export Price (MEP) since 1974-75, when it was canalized for the first time. The objective of the scheme is to keep balance in the interest of onion growers, exporters and domestic consumers of onion.

(c) & (d): The export prices fixed during the period from April’10 to November ’10 are enclosed at Annexure –I.

(e) : Minimum Export Price (MEP) is fixed by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation Of India Ltd. (NAFED) for different varieties of onion every month in consultation with the representatives of various Ministries of Govt. of India, State Trading Enterprises (STEs) and associate shippers. This is being done keeping in view the national and international market intelligence, quality aspects, crop prospects, market trends, expenses involved, freight charges etc. so that realistic price is fixed for all destinations.