KARACHI, July 18: Export of Pakistani onions to Sri Lanka and Far Eastern countries has declined by at least 20 per cent this year due to severe competition from neighbouring India.

“India is selling a better quality onion at $175 to $180 per ton while price of Pakistani product is about $205 per ton”, says president Fruits and Vegetable Processors and Exporters Association, Mateen Siddiqui here on Friday.

He said that India was enjoying a benefit of freight due to proximity to the Sri Lanka and Far Eastern countries and can offer lower prices against Pakistani exporters.

He pointed out that Indian exporters were offering a better quality onion with a longer shelf life and properly graded product to their buyers and, therefore, capturing market in these countries.

Mateen said that onion prices have now declined in the local market but the season has almost over for exports.

He complained that the government has not done much to improve the quality of onions. “We must do some thing to reduce water and sugar content, increase shelf life of onions and encourage grading to fetch better price”, he added.

He said that India has now opted for ISO-96000 certification in its fruits and vegetables exports while Pakistan was still working on ISO-9000 certification.

Pakistan exported more than 60,000 to 70,000 tons of onion last year to Sri Lanka, Far East and UAE.—APP