Indian Onion Export Season: Availability, Grades & Pricing Guide
When are Indian onions in peak supply, what grades are available, and how is export pricing set? A practical planning guide for international onion buyers.
India is one of the world’s largest onion exporters, and Nashik in Maharashtra is the heart of that trade. For buyers, understanding the supply calendar and grading system makes ordering far more predictable.
Availability through the year
Nashik supplies onions almost year-round thanks to multiple cropping seasons, with the strongest availability and best storage quality typically from November to May (the rabi crop). Planning large or repeat orders around this window usually gives the best combination of quality and price stability.
Common export grades
Onions are sorted by diameter to match different markets:
- 35–45 mm — smaller retail and processing demand
- 45–55 mm and 55–65 mm — the most common export sizes
- 65 mm+ — premium large bulbs
Specify your size band up front, along with colour (deep red), and moisture/curing requirements.
What drives export pricing
Onion prices move with harvest volume, domestic demand, and freight. Rather than a fixed rate, ask your supplier for a landed quote based on your destination port, container type (ventilated vs reefer), and packing (mesh bags or jute).
How to order with confidence
Request samples and a pre-shipment inspection report, confirm grade and packing in writing, and agree Incoterms (FOB/CIF) before loading.
Planning your onion programme? Request a quote with your destination and volume and we’ll confirm grades, packing, and current availability.
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