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| Image: Online |
The country's onion prices increased as a result of actions taken by Ministry of Commerce officials.
According to officials in the production ministry, 600,000 tonnes of onions were exported this year despite a shortage.
The production ministry sources claimed, "They started importing onions after it caused shortage and the price increased manifold."
According to sources, the nation's annual need for onions has been between 3.5 and 4 million tonnes, but this year's domestic production stayed at 2.5 million tonnes.
The problem was caused by the export of local onions, which are currently sold for Rs 250 per kilogramme instead of Rs 100.
Agri Forum President Ibrahim Mughal was in favour of raising the annual harvest of onions to five million tonnes. "We need 40 million tonnes, and we can export the remaining one million," he stated.
According to him, the increase in onion prices might be attributed to the ministries of production and trade. "It is important to question the exporters about this decision," he said.
According to sources at the ministry of trade, exports of onions are currently prohibited, with the preference for local consumption of the good.