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The Seasonal Availability of Indian Onions: Insights for Buyers

Seasonal availability of Indian onions

India has become one of the top producers of onions in the world. With a red color and distinct aroma, Indian onions are imported to various countries. Karnataka, Maharashtra, and several other Indian states grow onions. This pungent-tasting vegetable is a common culinary ingredient and is rich in protein. Moreover, it has the potential to cure infections and illnesses. So, you can make a deal with a reliable onion exporter from India

Although the demand for onions is consistent throughout the year, seasonal variations affect their availability. That is why you should know about the harvesting seasons to buy fresh onions.

Seasonal Onion Cultivation in India

Kharif Season

This season starts in June when India experiences monsoon rains. Most Indian states, such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, grow onions at this time. The abundant production in the early monsoon leads to consistent exports to other countries. However, fluctuating temperatures and heavy rains sometimes affect the yield and quality of onions. So, Kharif onions are harvested during the months of September and October. The price of onions becomes low in these months. You can buy medium and small-sized onions during the kharif season.

Rabi Season

It is the main season for cultivating onions in India. Cultivators plant onions in October and start harvesting in January. Cooler weather conditions ensure a better onion quality. Moreover, the onion sizes become larger at this time. Most exporters supply a lot of onions during the Rabi season. As these onions have a longer shelf life, they are best for storage. But, better quality onions may come with a higher price tag. You can contact a trustworthy onion supplier in India and import the vegetable to your country. 

Are Indian Onions Available Off-season?

The months of April and May create a gap between onion harvesting seasons. Thus, during the off-season, onion supplies become low and cause challenges to importers. Furthermore, low availability results in higher prices. 

India tries to store onions from harvesting seasons to maintain the supply. However, as those stored onions are older, you may find some quality issues. 

You can buy dehydrated and powdered onions during the off-season.

Different Factors Affecting Onion Availability in India

  • As weather conditions are unpredictable, they can affect onion cultivation. During the Rabi season, temperature levels are inconsistent and lower the yield. Unseasonal rains and droughts may disrupt the supply of onions.
  • Diseases and pests may damage the onion plants and reduce yield. So, importers should know the current status of India’s agricultural conditions before ordering fresh onions.
  • Sometimes, the Indian government restricts the export of onions to the international market. It imposes bans, especially when there is a domestic shortage.
  • Cultural events and festivals increase the onion demand in India. It may affect the quantity of onions available for export.

The Best Strategies to Import Onions

You should analyze the trends to determine if the onion supply is currently short. Forecasting the onion demands allows you to adjust the order schedule. As there are seasonal gaps, you should stock more onions during harvesting seasons. Many importers store a large quantity of onions during the Rabi season. The right storage techniques will increase your onion’s shelf life. 

It is also essential to check the local conditions, such as government policies and weather patterns. So, make your purchase plans based on these factors. You can also speak to the onion exporter in India to learn about availability. 

Contact White Feather Export to Buy Onions in Bulk

At White Feather Export, we export onions to several international buyers. Our team checks the quality of fresh onions before exporting them to your destination. Moreover, we sell onions in powdered and dehydrated forms to meet your needs.