NEW DELHI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- In a bid to check the sudden spurt in onion prices in the country, the Indian Government on Wednesday did away with the condition of fumigation and endorsement on the "Phytosanitary certificate (PSC)" for onion imports till this month-end, said sources in the Ministry of Agriculture.
The PSC is required as per the "Plant Quarantine Order, 2003" for any vegetable or fruits imports.
The move was decided in the light of public concern over high prices of onions in the market, added the Ministry sources.
Due to short supplies of onions, as the new crop is yet to arrive in the wholesale markers, some cities in the country have witnessed prices of onions rise by over 40 percent over the past one week.
Normally available, at the rate of 20 Indian Rupees per kilogram, onions are presently sold at a price of around 80 Indian Rupees per kilogram.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, such consignments of imported onions which arrive in Indian port without fumigation and endorsement to that effect on the PSC, would be fumigated in India by the importer through an accredited treatment provider.
The consignment would be inspected thoroughly by quarantine officials and released only if found free from pests and diseases of concern to India.
