After India decided they no longer want to export onions to Nepal, the Chinese were quick on the draw and is now exclusively filling the gap and sustaining the demand of Nepal's market and homes.
For onion, Nepal remained heavily reliant on India as limited local production does not meet local market demand. Nevertheless, the demand for Chinese onions is growing in Nepal following India's onion crisis since September and a strict ban for the last 10 days.
With approximately 90-100 metric tons of onions in the past each day, the market received 40-45 metric tons of onions from China after the ban, accounting for 50 percent of the total, according to Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, one of the largest and oldest vegetable markets to meet the capital's maximum demand.
Chinese Onions Save The Day
"But we have had 100 percent Chinese onions on the market since the last 10 days," Tejendra Prasad Poudel, Executive Director of the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board, told Xinhua News.
According to the board which handles more than 500 wholesale vegetable and fruit shops in the area, Chinese onions had only been imported occasionally in a small volume in the past, particularly before the ban.
The official recorded that for about two months there was a limited amount of smuggled Indian onions until it has stopped completely 10 days ago.
"Through both Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points, the Chinese onion is being imported into Nepal. Chinese onion has been a timely alternative for consumers in Nepal who are in crisis," the official added.
The merchant, who has also been importing Chinese garlic for years, also said they are importing at least four different Chinese onion types depending on colors and price.
... And They're Bigger and Cheaper
"Chinese onions have tremendous demand in hotels and restaurants because they are larger in size, have different tastes and are cheaper than Indian onions," traders said.
On the Kalimati market, the wholesale price of Chinese onions is in the range of Rs 110-140 per kilo, while on the outside it is sold at various rates. Indian onions' price, however, had risen to Rs 250 per kilo.
The country has imported onion worth Rs. 5.62 billion in the the last fiscal year 2018-19, according to the Trade and Export Promotion Centre.
Nepal has imported shallots and fresh onions worth 14.4 million Nepali rupees and dried onions worth 5.19 million Nepali rupees in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
Nepal relies on other countries, particularly India, despite being an agricultural country, not only for onions but also for many other vegetables and fruits.
