50 companies get permission to import 1,500 tonnes of onions from India

The government has allowed 50 companies to import 1,500 tonnes of onions from India, aiming to stabilise the domestic onion market.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) issued the import permits (IPs) on Sunday (7 December) after automatic system-based verification and selection.

Confirming the matter, Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told the media that each importer will receive the IP only once, and each permit will allow the import of up to 30 tonnes. "A total of 50 such IPs will be issued per day."

He said the government has given the import permission to stabilise the domestic market.

Govt allows onion import on limited scale to stabilise market

"Onion prices shot up suddenly by Tk40–45 per kg. After Saturday's announcement permitting imports, prices have already come down slightly," he added.

The adviser alleged that a section of traders had manipulated the market. "These manipulations hurt both farmers and consumers. We must identify these syndicates. Our aim is to ensure that neither farmers nor consumers suffer."

According to DAE sources, around 3,500 IP applications have been submitted so far. Of them, 50 were selected on Sunday based on who could access the server earlier, as the system prioritised applications logged in ahead of others.

The newly issued IPs will remain valid until 31 March 2026.

Onion prices jump to Tk150 per kg in two days

On 6 December, the agriculture ministry announced that import permits would be issued in response to retail prices crossing Tk150 per kg within a week. The circular also clarified that only those who applied for IPs after 1 August will be eligible.

Market visits on Sunday showed a slight decline in retail onion prices in Dhaka, where onions were selling at Tk140 per kg – down by Tk10 – following the import announcement.