Uzbekistan temporarily restricts export of onions

According to the press service of the Agriculture Ministry, 1.2 million tons of grown onion crops were sent for consumption by the population, 203,000 tons for export, 93,200 tons were put into reserves, 210,000 tons for catering and processing enterprises. Natural losses amounted to 228,000 tons.

According to preliminary estimates, from January 20 to April 30, 2023, the population’s need for onions will average 346,000 tons. However, as a result of interruptions in the supply chain for agricultural products, there is a rush in some dekhkan markets for this type of product, which affects the price upwards.

To date, having studied the dekhkan markets of the republic, the average retail price of onion is 6,000-8,000 soums, and the wholesale price is 5,500-6,500 soums.

“The main reason for this is a sharp cold snap. So, from January 9 to 17, 2023, the average air temperature ranged from -13 to -22 degrees. There were interruptions in the fuel and energy complex, the system of logistics and transport of products,” the report reads.

On January 9, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture sent recommendations from scientists and specialists to the regional administrations in order to protect agricultural products from the cold and maintain product quality. However, as a result of low temperatures, onion products stored in outdoor dekhkan markets were frozen (freezing temperature is -5 degrees). As a result, the volume of production decreased.

In Uzbekistan, in order to reduce the cost of the domestic market, meet the consumer demand of the population and ensure food security in the republic, a temporary restriction was established on the export of onions for a period of 4 months, starting from January 1, 2023.

“At the same time, in our southern regions, early onion varieties have been cultivated since spring. According to calculations, if the seeds planted in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions yield in accordance with the plan, there will be no shortage and the demand of the population will be fully covered. At present, in our country, not only onions, but also all the main types of agricultural products are harvested and stored in the prescribed manner. Based on the balance of supply and demand, systematic work is underway to release these stocks to the dekhkan markets of our country,” the Ministry of Agriculture said.

It is emphasized that in this regard, all responsible persons are working according to the plan.

“The government commission is taking the necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted supplies and prevent price increases,” the ministry concluded.