Indian ban on onion exports goes

India has decided to lift a ban on onion exports from January 1, as prices have fallen sharply.

In a notification on Monday, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said exports of all varieties of onion will be allowed.

India is the world’s biggest exporter of onions, a staple of South Asian cooking. Countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia and Sri Lanka rely on Indian shipments.

India banned exports of onions in September to preserve domestic supplies after flooding in several states worsened seasonal shortages, leading to a spike in local prices.