GOI Decided to Increase Relief on Conditions of Import of Onions to Counter High Market Prices

Relief  on Conditions of Import of Onions  to Counter High Market Prices

In the light of public concern over high prices of onion within the market, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has decided to increase the relief from the condition of fumigation and extra declaration on Phytosanitary Certificate as per the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003, for imports up to 31st January 2021. the relief is going to be subject to certain conditions.
Consignments of imported onions that arrive in Indian port without fumigation and such endorsement on the PSC, would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider. The consignment would be inspected thoroughly by quarantine officials and released as long as found free from pests and diseases of concern to India. Further, if smut or dry rot is intercepted during inspection, the actual container are going to be rejected and deported. just in case of stem and bulbs nematode or onion maggot being detected, these should be eliminated through fumigation and therefore the consignments released without additional inspection fee.
The conditions also stipulate that an undertaking should be obtained from importers that the onions are going to be used just for consumption and not for propagation. additionally, such consignments of onion for consumption won't be subjected to the fourfold additional inspection fee for non-compliance of conditions important under the PQ Order, 2003.