India is one of the largest onion producing countries in the world, with onion cultivation happening extensively across states. Thanks to the suitable agro-climatic conditions, onions grow well in most parts of the country.

Onions are an integral part of Indian cuisine, used extensively for cooking curries, subzis, pickles, chutneys and more dishes. Naturally, there is high demand and good prices for Indian onions in domestic and international markets.

What makes Indian onions so popular globally?

• Indian onions are known for their pungency and taste which adds excellent flavor to dishes and cuisine.
• The major onion producing belts in India – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka grow very good quality onions like the red Nasik onions, white onions from Agra, Bangalore Rose onions etc.
• India has excellent port connectivity and networks which allow easy export of onions globally.
• The tropical climate gives Indian onions their unique pungency and lasting flavor.

Major destinations for export of Indian onions

The major countries that import Indian onions are:

• Bangladesh
• Malaysia
• UAE
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Indonesia
• Singapore
• Qatar

Top onion exporters from India

Here are the top 10 onion exporting companies in India that ship great quality onions to markets abroad and have built a name for themselves in the onion trade.

Company Name	Export Volume p.a (in Metric Tonnes)
Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB)	700,000
National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd (NCCF)	150,000
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED)	100,000
Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd	75,000
Mother Agri Cold Storage Pvt Ltd	60,000
Sri Vyshnavi Exports	50,000
Gurucharanam Agriculture Producer Company Ltd	45,000
National Spot Exchange Ltd	40,000
Rajdeep Exporters	35,000
Hari Om Exporters	30,000

In this blog, let me introduce you to the top 10 onion exporters from India who are leading names in the onion export industry.

1. Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB)

The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) is a state government undertaking involved in export & marketing of agricultural produce grown in Maharashtra.

Key facts about MSAMB:

• Leading onion exporter from India with annual export of 7 Lakh Metric Tonnes of fresh onions.
• Sources onions from major growing belts of Maharashtra like Nasik, Pune, Ahmednagar.
• Exports to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, UAE.
• Has own port terminal facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) Nhava, Maharashtra.
• Strong presence for 5 decades in onion trade & exports.

Owing to its scale, port infrastructure and experience MSAMB leads onion exports from India handling extremely large shipment volumes every year to various destinations.

2. National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd (NCCF)

NCCF is an apex body for marketing cooperatives involved in procurement and export of agricultural commodities.

• Among the top onion exporter from India with more than 1.5 Lakh Metric Tonnes annual export volume.
• Exports good quality red and white onions sourced from Nasik region.
• Export markets include Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE.
• Owns warehouses, cold storages and processing infrastructure.

With strong sourcing reach and distribution network, NCCF continues to be a leading name for onion exports from India.

3. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED)

NAFED is an agricultural produce marketing company working with cooperative societies across India.

• Leading name in trading & export of onions from India with annual export about one lakh metric tonnes.
• Exports Indian white onions & red onions to markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh.
• Sources onions from Maharashtra and MP belts. Owns storage and processing infrastructure.
• Approved supplier for Government purchase programs and schemes.

As a reliable exporter, NAFED exports good quality onions from India meeting international phytosanitary norms.

4. Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd

The Gujarat government undertaking is involved in exporting agricultural commodities grown in Gujarat.

• Leading exporter of fresh onions and dehydrated (flakes, powder) onions from India.
• Exports over 75,000 Metric Tonnes of fresh and dehydrated onions annually.
• Sources red onions from Maharashtra and white onions from regions in Gujarat.
• Owns cold storage and dehydration processing units.
• Major export markets are Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh.

They continue to be a trusted and leading name for buying onions from India owing to their processing capabilities, infrastructure and ethical trade practices.

5. Mother Agri Cold Storage Pvt Ltd

A leading agri commodity exporting company based in Nashik, Maharashtra.

• Exports over 60,000 Metric Tonnes of fresh red onions each year.
• Exports Indian onions to Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from the JNPT port.
• Sources premium quality onions from Nashik and Pune region in Maharashtra.
• Has integrated cold storage and processing infrastructure spread across 8 facilities.

They are a reputed exporter known for handling large onion orders from international markets.

6. Sri Vyshnavi Exports

A Bangalore based company exporting various agricultural products.

• Exports about 50,000 Metric Tonnes of fresh onions and dehydrated onions from India each year.
• Sources and exports ‘Bangalore Rose’ onions which are unique sweet pink onions.
• Exports onions to markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh.
• Invested in farm level sorting, grading and processing infrastructure.

Known for exporting the famed Bangalore Rose onions and other onions to markets abroad.

7. Gurucharanam Agriculture Producer Company Ltd

A Bangalore based Farmer Producer Company focused on onion trade.

• Key exporter of onions from India with annual exports touching almost 45,000 Metric Tonnes.
• Exports various varieties of onions including Rose onions, Red onions and shallots from Karnataka to international markets.
• Directly sources from 1000+ small onion farmers in Karnataka.
• Technical capabilities for sorting, grading and storage of onions.

Known for engaging with small onion farmers and fair trade practices. They export good volumes of onions from India.

8. National Spot Exchange Ltd

A national level exchange platform offering trading and auctioning of various agri commodities.

• Facilitates onion export of over 40,000 Metric Tonnes annually to overseas markets.
• Auctions and aggregates onions for export from Maharashtra and MP onion clusters.
• Exports to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Middle East markets continue round the year.
• Has accredited warehouses and facilitation of commodity financing.

It is emerging as a good platform connecting onion exporters and markets abroad aiding onion exports from India.

9. Rajdeep Exporters

A leading processor and exporter of fresh onions, onion flakes & onion powder from India.

• Exports about 35,000 Metric Tonnes of fresh and dehydrated onions annually.
• Sources red onions from Maharashtra and processes onion flakes and powder for export.
• Export countries include Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka catering to food manufacturers.
• In-house infrastructure for dehydration and processing.

Known as a quality exporter for supplying dehydrated onion products to global markets from India.

10. Hari Om Exporters

Mumbai based company in onion exports business for last 25 years.

• Exports over 30,000 Metric Tonnes of red onions sourced from Nashik and nearby regions of Maharashtra.
• Mainly exports to Bangladesh market.
• Has own storage, sorting and processing infrastructure.
• Considerable experience in handling large onion orders and shipments.

Vast experience and capabilities to handle bulk onion orders for export markets.

Key Takeaways

• There is good demand internationally for Indian onions due to the taste, flavor and cooking properties.
• Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat are leading onion exporting states owing to the suitable climate and soil.
• Onion exporter companies like MSAMB, NAFED, NCCF export onions in very large volumes.
• Bangalore Rose Onions and Nasik Red onions are popular varieties that get exported.
• Many exporters have in-house facilities for sorting, grading cold storage and dehydration to export onions.
• Bangladesh, Malaysia, UAE, Philippines and Indonesia are the major destinations for exported Indian onions.

Onion farming, trade and exports forms a prosperous industry and significant foreign exchange earner for India. With wide scope for growth, India’s position in the global onion trade is set to grow further backed by strong exporters and rising demand.

I hope you enjoyed reading this summary on the major players involved in onion exports from India. Please reach out in comments below for any queries.