Major Varieties of Indian Onions
1. Red Onions
o Most common variety grown in India.
o High pungency and used in cooking.
o Dominates the export market.
2. Yellow Onions:
o Mild flavor and less pungent.
o Preferred in salads and Western cuisines.
o Often exported to Europe and the USA.
3. White Onions:
o Known for their sweetness and mild taste.
o Ideal for pickles, salads, and processing.
o Exported to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
4. Shallots:
o Small-sized onions with a unique flavor.
o Popular in gourmet cooking.
o Exported to Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
Top Onion-Producing States in India
1. Maharashtra: Largest producer and exporter.
2. Karnataka: Known for high-quality red onions.
3. Gujarat: Produces onions suitable for long storage.
4. Madhya Pradesh: Emerging as a key producer.
5. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu: Major producers of small onions (shallots).
Packaging and Transportation
1. Packaging Standards:
o Onions are typically packed in jute bags or mesh sacks (5kg, 10kg, 25kg, or 50kg).
o Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent spoilage.
o Labels include variety, grade, weight, and country of origin.
2. Storage and Transport:
o Ideal storage temperature: 0–5°C with 65–70% humidity.
o Avoid storing onions with ethylene-producing fruits as it accelerates spoilage.
Advantages of Indian Onions
1. Year-Round Availability:
o Due to staggered sowing and harvesting in different regions.
2. Diverse Varieties:
o Meeting the needs of different cuisines and processing industries.
3. Long Shelf Life:
o Especially suitable for export markets.
Opportunities
1. Rising Demand:
o Increased consumption in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
2. Value-Added Products:
o Opportunities in exporting onion powder, flakes, and dehydrated onions.
3. Organic Onions:
o Growing interest in organic and pesticide-free produce.
Market Insights
• Indian onion exports reached significant levels in recent years due to the high demand in Asia and the Middle East.
• Exporters benefit from India's reputation for high-quality, flavorful onions.
• Strategic government initiatives, such as subsidies and enhanced cold storage facilities, are helping to boost exports.
