Commerce Ministry Orders Import of Onions from Pakistan

As part of series of measures to increase availability of onions, India has contracted import of onions and the first lot from Pakistan is scheduled to reach Delhi on January 7.

The import would be done through Public Enterprises Company (PEC) and the State Trading Corporation (STC) under the Ministry of Commerce, official sources said.

The exact quantity is not known, the sources said adding it is coming in two or three lots.

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said he hoped this would further soften prices. Sharma has also spoken to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to ensure immediate distribution of imported onions through Mother Dairy outlets, the sources added.