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Understanding the 40% Export Duty on Onions by Indian Government

Key Measures for Stabilizing Onion Prices

Understanding the 40% Export Duty on Onions by Indian Government

  • 01 Sep, 2023
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The Recent Export Duty on Onions by the Indian Government

The Indian government has recently implemented a 40% export duty on onions. This decision aims to stabilize domestic onion prices and ensure that there is an adequate supply in the local market.

Reasons Behind the Export Duty

The primary reason for imposing this export duty is to control the sharp rise in onion prices. The government is particularly focused on increasing the availability of onions in the domestic market, especially with the festival season approaching.

Expected Market Impact

By curbing onion exports and releasing government stocks, the government aims to achieve a stable supply-demand balance in the domestic onion market. This initiative is expected to encourage private traders to release their stocks, further contributing to market stability.

Duration of the Export Duty

The export duty will be effective until December 31, 2023. This timeframe allows the government to address the ongoing issue of rising onion prices and stabilize the domestic market effectively.

Balancing Interests of Farmers and Consumers

The government’s intervention seeks to achieve a balance between the interests of farmers and consumers. While ensuring that farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce, the aim is also to provide consumers with onions at reasonable rates.

Role of NAFED in Stabilization Efforts

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) plays a crucial role in this initiative. NAFED is responsible for auctioning onion stocks to boost supply and stabilize prices, aligning with the government’s goal of ensuring ample onion availability for consumers.

Overall Impact of These Measures

The export duty and the release of government onion stocks are significant steps aimed at mitigating the effects of rising onion prices on consumers. The overarching objective remains to maintain a balance between the interests of farmers and consumers, ensuring fair profits for farmers while keeping prices affordable for consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the 40% export duty on onions?
Answer: The purpose of the 40% export duty on onions is to stabilize domestic prices and ensure adequate availability in the local market, especially during the festival season.

Q2. How does the Indian government plan to stabilize onion prices?
Answer: The Indian government aims to stabilize onion prices by imposing an export duty, releasing government stocks, and encouraging private traders to supply more onions to the market.

Q3. Until when will the export duty on onions be in effect?
Answer: The export duty on onions will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, to address rising prices and stabilize the market.

Q4. What is NAFED's role in the onion market?
Answer: NAFED plays a critical role by auctioning onion stocks, which helps to increase supply and stabilize prices in line with the government’s objectives.

Q5. How does the export duty impact farmers and consumers?
Answer: The export duty aims to balance the interests of farmers by ensuring fair prices while allowing consumers to access onions at affordable rates.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the recent action taken by the Indian government regarding onion exports?
A) Imposed a 20% export duty
B) Imposed a 40% export duty
C) Banned onion exports
D) Increased onion imports
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Until when will the onion export duty be effective?
A) October 31, 2023
B) December 31, 2023
C) November 30, 2023
D) January 31, 2024
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the role of NAFED in relation to onion stocks?
A) Reducing onion prices
B) Auctioning onion stocks
C) Increasing onion imports
D) Controlling onion exports
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the main goal of the export duty on onions?
A) To increase exports
B) To stabilize domestic prices
C) To reduce consumption
D) To ban onion production
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How does the government plan to encourage private traders?
A) By providing subsidies
B) By releasing government stocks
C) By banning exports
D) By increasing taxes
Correct Answer: B

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