Record-Breaking Export of Dehydrated Onions from Gujarat, India
Surge in Exports
Dehydrated onions from Gujarat have seen an unprecedented surge in demand from overseas, spicing up a variety of curries like never before. The state recorded a 67% increase in the export of dehydrated white onions in the financial year 2023-24, the highest in the last four years. Gujarat exported 83,452 tons of dehydrated white onions in 2023-24, compared to 50,052 tons in 2019-20, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (AEDA). This surge is attributed to several factors, including crop losses in major competitor countries like China and Egypt and India's ban on fresh onion exports.
Mahuva: The Hub of Onion Processing
Mahuva town in Bhavnagar is the largest center for onion processing, with 120 dehydration plants converting onions into powder, flakes, granules, and dried cuts. These products, derived from both white and 10% red onions, are extensively used in making spices and cooking in big restaurants. Key importing countries include the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and other European and West Asian countries. Vitthal Koradiya, a leading exporter, noted that the government ban on fresh onions led to increased demand for processed onions, keeping export prices around $28,80 to $30 per kg, up from $24 to $26,40 earlier.
The record-breaking export of dehydrated onions from Gujarat highlights the state's significant role in the global market. The combination of innovative processing techniques, high-quality produce, and strategic market expansion has positioned Gujarat as a leading exporter, ensuring sustained growth and prosperity for its onion producers.
Dehydrated onions from Gujarat have seen an unprecedented surge in demand from overseas, spicing up a variety of curries like never before. The state recorded a 67% increase in the export of dehydrated white onions in the financial year 2023-24, the highest in the last four years. Gujarat exported 83,452 tons of dehydrated white onions in 2023-24, compared to 50,052 tons in 2019-20, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (AEDA). This surge is attributed to several factors, including crop losses in major competitor countries like China and Egypt and India's ban on fresh onion exports.
Mahuva: The Hub of Onion Processing
Mahuva town in Bhavnagar is the largest center for onion processing, with 120 dehydration plants converting onions into powder, flakes, granules, and dried cuts. These products, derived from both white and 10% red onions, are extensively used in making spices and cooking in big restaurants. Key importing countries include the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and other European and West Asian countries. Vitthal Koradiya, a leading exporter, noted that the government ban on fresh onions led to increased demand for processed onions, keeping export prices around $28,80 to $30 per kg, up from $24 to $26,40 earlier.
Future Bright for Gujarat's Dehydrated Onion Exports
The last quarter of FY 2023-24 saw a significant increase in exports due to the government's ban on fresh onions to control domestic prices. This surge kept export prices high and attracted new orders from countries appreciating Gujarat's quality and price. Manoj Ram, president of the All India Vegetables Dehydration Association, explained that new processing units are coming up in Mahuva, further boosting exports. The average export per month has increased to 8,000 tons from 6,000 tons last year. Besides Amreli and Bhavnagar, significant onion production occurs in Rajkot, Junagadh, and Lakh tons, supporting the growing export market.The record-breaking export of dehydrated onions from Gujarat highlights the state's significant role in the global market. The combination of innovative processing techniques, high-quality produce, and strategic market expansion has positioned Gujarat as a leading exporter, ensuring sustained growth and prosperity for its onion producers.
