Centre hiked minimum export price, MEP, of onion by over 60 percent to check price rise yesterday. The government hiked MEP of onion to 700 US dollar per Metric tons from 425 US dollar to check price rise. MEP was last increased from 250 US dollar per Metric tons to 425 per Metric tons on 26th of June this year. In an official release issued by Consumer Affairs and Food Ministry, centre has said it is keeping a close watch on the rise in prices of onions. It said, a decision has also been taken to import onions and a tender has also been floated for 10,000 Metric ton of onions, which will be opened on 27th of this month. <br/><br/>The Ministry said, the prices of onions are being reviewed regularly. It said the prices of onions have been rising on account of a decline in total production from around 189 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 as against 194 lakh tonnes in 2013-14. The shortfall has primarily been on account of adverse weather conditions including unseasonal rains which has impacted both the standing and harvested crop at the major producing centres.