Pakistan - Pakistani onion farmers and exporters have seen an unexpected boom in their exports over the past few months, capitalizing on a significant gap created by India's decision to impose a ban on onion exports, a move aimed at addressing declining local production ahead of national elections.

India and Pakistan, often rivals across various domains, both have substantial onion production capabilities. India, the world’s second-largest exporter of onions after China, typically dominates the global onion market, sometimes overshadowing smaller onion-producing nations.

However, in December, when India implemented its export ban, Pakistani farmers and exporters swiftly recognized an opportunity they hadn't seen before. In 2023, India exported nearly 2.5 million tonnes of onions, creating a sudden void in the global onion market - a void that Pakistan was able to partially fill.

From December to March this year, Pakistan exported more than 220,000 tonnes of onions, exceeding its usual annual export volume. Waheed Ahmed, the patron-in-chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), credited this success to prompt action and government support that did not restrict exports as India had.

"When India imposed the ban, we urged the government to allow us to take advantage of this opportunity. Thanks to our quick response, we managed to generate over $200 million in revenue for the country," Ahmed explained.

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