Import of green chilli from India increases supply, reduces price
The import of green chilli from India via Hili Land Port is in full swing, increasing supply and reducing prices over the last few days.
According to ASM Akram Hossain Samrat, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Customs at Hili Port, Bangladeshi importers have already brought in 618 metric tons of green chilli, loaded in 72 trucks, over the past week.
A total of 15 trucks carrying green chilli had entered Bangladesh via the port by 12 noon today (Saturday), he said, adding that several more trucks are queued on the Indian side awaiting entry into Bangladesh.
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Md Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, president of the importers' association at Hili Land Port, said the price of green chilli has dropped by Tk50 to Tk60 per kilogram due to the imports.
Md Yusuf Ali, an officer at the port, told BSS that the government decided to import green chilli from India after its price rose sharply in local markets.
On 22 August alone, a total of 239 metric tons of green chilli, loaded in 29 trucks, were brought into Bangladesh via Hili Land Port — a record in recent times.
Importers alleged that domestic green chilli production has been seriously affected by ongoing floods and droughts.
The price of green chilli in local markets is currently about Tk150 to Tk160 per kilogram, while importers purchase it in India at Rs70 to Rs80 per kilogram. Importers must also pay Tk37 per kilogram as customs duty.
