AgroIndia

Onions, often called the “kitchen staple of India” , have once again become the symbol of a deeper agricultural crisis. In 2025, India’s onion export revenue fell by nearly ₹1,100 crore , marking one of the worst years for onion growers in decades. Behind these numbers lies a painful reality for farmers, especially in Maharashtra’s Nashik belt — the heartland of onion production. A Sharp Fall in Export Earnings According to exporters, India earned around ₹4,500 crore from onion exports in 2024. This year, the figure dropped to ₹3,100 crore , resulting in a massive loss. One of the biggest reasons for this decline has been the exit of Bangladesh , India’s largest onion importer, which alone accounted for nearly ₹1,700 crore in export revenue. Bangladesh’s decision to stop importing Indian onions was driven by its push to promote domestic onion production. While this move strengthened Bangladesh’s self-reliance, it dealt a heavy blow to Indian farmers and exporters. Government Curb...