The Government of India has approved the export of 150 metric tonnes of onions per month to Bhutan till the end of this year. After India stopped the export of onions in mid-September, the country ran out of onions.
The Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) auction yard in Gelegphu received 40 metric tonnes of onions today. FCB delivered two hundred bags each to Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Tsirang today. Similarly, onions also reached Phuentshogling today. From 150 metric tonnes, 80 metric tonnes will be delivered to western dzongkhags through Phuentshogling. Meanwhile, Gelegphu will cater to central Dzongkhags, and onions coming through Samdrup Jongkhar will be delivered to the eastern dzongkhags.
People in Thimphu will get a kilogram of onion at around Nu 96 while residents in Phuentshogling will get it at around Nu 93 per kilogram.
“FCB will be able to distribute onions for Nu 77-78 in Thimphu while in Phuentshogling, we will be able to distribute it at around Nu 75. As per the notifications from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, retailers can charge 25 per cent extra on the price charged by the FCB,” said Dorji Tashi, the Director for Department of Corporate Business with the FCB in Phuentshogling.
Shopkeepers and customers alike are happy to hear the news.
“It will not only help us but equally benefit the customers as they will get onions at a cheaper price. We feel happy when we get items at a cheaper rate and sell it at lower prices. Otherwise, people keep complaining about the rates. They also say that vegetables are not good these days,” said Ugyen Dema, a vendor in Phuentshogling.
“These days without onion and tomato in the market, we receive lots of complaints from people. The onions we sell, which we get from Samtse, the prices are high. If we get onions from FCB from tomorrow, then it will benefit customers as well as the vendors here,” added Sita Kumari Chhetri, also a vendor in Phuentshogling.
Last year, over 270 metric tonnes of onions were imported every month. The onions being imported this time may not be sufficient but it was a special exemption for Bhutan. According to FCB, India’s help at such times is a testimony of close ties between the two neighbours.
“After the onion crisis in the market, through the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, the government discussed the matter with the Indian Government. And within a short span of time, we have been allowed to import 150 metric tonnes of onions per month. The move only signifies the unique bond between India and Bhutan,” added Dorji Tashi.
Meanwhile, except for onions and tomatoes, no other vegetables are imported from India.
Sonam Penjor
