Decision to start onion exports after due consideration: Danve

Union Minister of State Consumer

Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Raosaheb Patil Danve on Wednesday said the decision to lift the ban on onion exports will be taken after considering the interests of both farmers and consumers.

Citing the fall in onion prices after the arrival of the new crop in wholesale markets, farmers and traders have sought the lifting of the ban.

Talking to reporters in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city, Danve said, "Our government is trying to ensure that no injustice is done to both farmers and consumers. We will take a suitable decision (about onion export) keeping their interests in mind."

Farmers are right in seeking appropriate prices for their onions, but prices need to be controlled in such a way that consumers don't suffer, he said.

However, Danve did not give any indication of when the government plans to lift the ban on onion exports.

Speaking about the recent increase in inflation rates, he said, "It is true that prices of some ...