Ministry of Foreign Affairs states Maldives will not face any shortages of onions despite heavy rainfall destroying crops and farmland in India. The Maldivian foreign ministry made the statement in the wake of Indian government authorities halting onion exports and increase in onion prices in the country.
Speaking to PSM News, Director of Communications Miuvaan Mohamed said India would continue supplying Maldives onions under an agreement signed between the two countries. He noted India extended the quota for Maldives from 8 varieties beginning from April 1, including onions. The arrangements were made during the visit of former Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to Maldives earlier this year.
India is one of the largest onion exporters. India export close to 20 million tonnes a year, worth almost USD 500 million. India is also the main exporter of fruits, vegetables and other crops to Maldives.
The heaviest monsoon rains to lash India in 25 years have killed more than 1,600 people since June and left residents without running water and electricity. The monsoon, which typically lasts between June and September, has already delivered 10% more rain than a 50-year average and is expected to withdraw only after early October, more than a month later than usual.
Data released by the federal home ministry shows that 1,673 people have died because of floods and heavy rains as of September. 29.