Despite the import of green chili, its price keeps on soaring in the capital’s kitchen markets.
On Monday,based on kitchen markets, per kilogram (kg) green chili is being sold at Tk 380 to Tk 400.
Similarly, tomato and cucumber prices have also gone up dramatically. Local traders justifying the price hike, said they have topurchase at a higher rate from wholesale markets, that’s why they are also selling those daily essentials at a higher price.
Imports have been allowed due to the increase in the prices of essential commodities such as chillies and tomatoes. This permission is being given from Sunday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Import Order (IO) has allowed importing 67,200 tonnes of green chillies and tomatoes on the first day.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of 30 IPs have been given throughout the day for the import of green chillies. Through this, 11600 tonnes of raw chillies will be imported and against 68 IPs,55,600 tonnes of tomatoes are allowed to be imported.
Following the approval of IPs, the import of green chillies from India has resumed after a hiatus of nearly 10 months. A truck carrying
a load of the sought-after product crossed into Bangladesh through the Hili land port in Dinajpur on Monday, confirmed by Yusuf Ali, Deputy Assistant Director of Hili land port.
The price of raw chillies had been skyrocketing in the country’s market, causing concerns amongconsumers. As a result, the government made the decision to allow the importation of green chillies on Sunday.
This move was aimed at mitigating the rising prices and stabilizing the market. Already, this decision has begun to yield positive results, with retail prices witnessing a decrease of Tk 20 per kilogram. But its reflection is yet to be visible in the capital’s kitchen markets.
Deputy Assistant Director Yusuf Ali disclosed that five importing companies have already issued Letters of Credit (LC) for the importation of 1,900 tonnes of green chillies, while another importing company has done so for 500 tonnes of tomatoes, all through the Hili land port.
The importation of green chillies from India had been halted on August 24, 2022.
After a lapse of approximately 10 months, this important trade route has finally been reopened, offering relief to both consumers and traders alike.
The resumption of green chilli imports from India is expected to address the recent surge in prices andalleviate the concerns of consumers. With increased supply in the market, it is anticipated that the prices will stabilize further in the coming day.
This development serves as a positive step towards maintaining a steady availability of green chillies, an essential ingredient in the country's culinary culture.
