Pakistan starts onion exports again

After a gap of around four to five months, Pakistan’s onion exports kicked off from July 2011 in the wake of its bumper crop in Balochistan, which is likely to spell out good financial fortune for exporters and farmers. The onion export had come to a virtual halt from February 2011 following harvesting of Indian crop.It may be recalled here that previous year, ruining of Indian onion in September and October, which spread over large area had provided an ample opportunity to Pakistani exporters to exploit the situation in their favour.As a consequence, record volume measuring around 200,000 tonnes, was exported by the Pakistani exporters due to bumper Sindh crop helping the country earn invaluable foreign currency.Major countries regarded as importers of Pakistan onion include Singapore, Malysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Gulf States as they are regarded as traditional importers of Pakistani onion.A leading onion exporter, who is also President Wholesale Vegetable Welfare Association, Sabzi Mandi Karachi Haji Shahjahan replying to a question of the scribe claimed that Pakistani onion exporters must be credited for breaking the Indian hegemony by exporting one of the most essential ingredients of every kitchen.From February to March of the current year, Indian onion was dominating the international market on account of low price and bulk production.However, better marketing efforts by the Pakistani exporters coupled with fine quality of Balochistan produce helped them make inroads to some of the traditional markets earlier dominated by the Indian exporters.Replying to a query he cited Wadh, Kharan, Sarab, Khuzdar, Nal, Harambo and Krashak as onion growing areas of the province from where onion is supplied to all areas of the country. From next month, enhanced production of onion from the province would not only hasten the pace of export but also ensure its smooth availability to domestic consumers. Currently three onion-laden containers were despatched to Malaysia and at a later stage the process would gain momentum when majority of regional importers would start placing their orders for the Pakistani vegetable. From / Gulf Today