India may export 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to Mauritius and 7,500 tonnes of onions to Qatar

livemint.com:

Peeled to the core: Onion export bans distort markets “We received a request from MEA for export of non-basmati rice and onion to Mauritius and Qatar," the official said, who did not wish to be identified. "Although it recommended 24,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to supply to Mauritius and 15,000 tonnes of onions over the next two months to Qatar, the committee decided to export 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to Mauritius, and 7,500 tonnes of onions to Qatar through NCEL.

A final call will, however, be taken by the top authorities," the official added. India has been supplying rice and onions to its key strategic countries at the government-to-government level since it imposed a ban on exports of non-basmati white rice last July and onions last December amid concerns over food inflation due to poor crop prospects.

Food inflation in April increased to 8.7% from 8.5% a month ago and 3.8% a year ago. However, the Indian government on 4 May lifted the ban on exports of the politically sensitive commodity but imposed an MEP of $550 per tonne and 40% export tariff ahead of key onion growing and consuming regions of Maharashtra going into the Lok Sabha polls.

Also Read: Incredible onions: Gamma rays to keep stocks strong and healthy in storage In a clarification, the consumer affairs secretary said that the decision was made after thorough consultation with stakeholders, and assessing the supply, crop and prices situation. Rabi, or winter, onion output that was estimated to be lower than the previous season could be higher at 19.1 million tonnes, sufficient to meet the monthly domestic demand of 1.7 million tonnes, it was estimated.