India is consistently among the world's top two or three onion exporters and for many importing countries - particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa - Indian onion is the primary source of supply. The trade is large, well-established and commercially significant. But it also has its complications: India's onion export policy is one of the most actively managed of any agricultural commodity, with export bans, minimum export prices and duty changes introduced at short notice when domestic prices spike.
This guide gives you a clear picture of the Indian onion export trade - the varieties, growing regions, quality parameters, pricing, documentation and the policy landscape that every serious importer needs to understand.
India's Key Onion Growing Regions
India produces onions across multiple states, but the export trade is dominated by a few key regions:
- Nashik, Maharashtra - the undisputed capital of Indian onion export. Nashik district produces the majority of India's export-quality red onions. The Lasalgaon market in Nashik is Asia's largest onion market and a global price benchmark. When people say "Indian onion," they almost always mean Nashik red onion.
- Pune, Maharashtra - also a significant onion-producing district, feeding into the same export channels as Nashik.
- Karnataka (Belgaum, Hubli) — produces significant volumes of onion, particularly during the period when Maharashtra supply is between seasons.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — produce onions year-round due to a different cropping calendar, helping bridge supply gaps during Maharashtra's off-season.
- Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh — contribute to the domestic market and increasingly to exports.
Indian Onion Varieties for Export
India primarily exports red onions. The main export varieties are:
| Variety | Origin | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasik Red / Agrifound Red | Nashik, Maharashtra | Deep red, pungent, good shelf life | General export, Middle East, Africa |
| Bellary Red | Karnataka | Medium red, moderate pungency | Southeast Asia, domestic |
| Bhima Red | Maharashtra / AP | Bright red, uniform size | Premium retail export |
| Small Onion (Sambar/Shallot) | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka | Small, intense flavour | Southeast Asia, specialty markets |
Quality Standards for Indian Onion Export
Export-grade Indian onions are graded by size and must meet the following quality parameters:
- Size grades - typically 35-55mm (small), 45-65mm (medium), 55-75mm (large) and 65mm+ (jumbo)
- Moisture content - onions must be well-cured; high moisture leads to rotting during transit
- Freedom from defects - no soft bulbs, no double/split bulbs, no visible decay, no wet neck
- Sprout-free - export-grade onions must not show visible sprouting
- Admixture - maximum 2-3% foreign matter and off-grade bulbs
- Pesticide residues - must comply with MRLs of destination country
Onions are highly perishable and transit conditions matter enormously. Always confirm ventilated containers are used for onion shipments - standard sealed containers trap ethylene gas and moisture, accelerating spoilage. Jute mesh bags or ventilated PP bags in ventilated containers are the standard for export-grade Indian onions.
Indian Onion Export Seasons
Understanding India's onion crop calendar helps you plan your purchasing:
| Crop Season | Harvest Period | Key Region | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kharif (early) | October - November | Maharashtra | Moderate |
| Rabi (main) | February - May | Maharashtra, Karnataka | Largest - best for export |
| Summer crop | June - August | AP, Telangana, Karnataka | Moderate, bridges gap |
The Rabi season (February - May) produces the largest and best quality onions for export. This is when prices are typically most competitive and quality is highest. The October - November Kharif crop is smaller and generally commands higher prices.
Indicative FOB Prices for Indian Onion 2026
| Grade | Packaging | FOB Price (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (35-55mm) | 25kg mesh bags | $200 - $350 |
| Medium (45-65mm) | 25kg mesh bags | $250 - $420 |
| Large (55–75mm) | 25kg mesh bags | $300 – $500 |
| Jumbo (65mm+) | 25kg mesh bags | $350 – $550 |
Onion prices are highly seasonal and policy-sensitive. These ranges reflect 2026 market conditions - always get a current quote before placing an order.
Export Documentation for Indian Onions
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin (APEDA or FIEO)
- Phytosanitary Certificate (India NPPO)
- Quality Certificate / APEDA Export Certificate
- Lab Test Report for pesticide residues (required by EU, UK, Singapore)
- Fumigation Certificate (required by some markets)
Import Indian Onions from Draba Ventures
Draba Ventures exports Nashik and Karnataka red onions - medium, large and jumbo grades in ventilated mesh bags. APEDA certified, full documentation provided. Request a quote for your destination and quantity.
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