The price of green chilies has fallen by up to Tk200 per kilogram in markets across Sharsha upazila in Jessore as imports from India through the Benapole land port have increased supply.
Green chilies that were selling for around Tk300 per kg just two weeks ago are now being sold for Tk100-120, bringing relief to consumers.
According to the Plant Quarantine Centre at Benapole Checkpost, around 233 tonnes of green chilies were imported from India through the Benapole land port in 10 working days between August 3 and 16.
Recent consignments included 14 tonnes on August 10, 56 tonnes on August 11, 28 tonnes on August 12, 28 tonnes on August 13 and 13.5 tonnes on August 16.
The price drop was observed at the Benapole, Navaron and Bagachra markets on Monday.
Traders said regular imports from India have helped maintain adequate supplies in local markets. At the same time, supplies from major chili-producing regions of Bangladesh have also increased.
Rashed Ali, a green chili trader at Benapole market, said: “There is no shortage of green chilies in the market as imports from India are continuing regularly. Although flooding disrupted production in some areas, chilies are now arriving from different parts of the country, which has also helped bring prices down.”
Consumer Meher Ali welcomed the decline in prices, saying green chili is an essential ingredient in everyday cooking.
“Just a few days ago, prices were so high that it was difficult to buy even 50 grams. A reduction of up to Tk200 per kg is a great relief,” he said.
Importer Shamim Hossain said prices had fallen by nearly two-thirds due to increased imports.
“If imports continue at the current rate, the price of green chilies could fall to around Tk50 per kg,” he said.
Shyamol Kumar Nath, deputy assistant plant quarantine officer at Benapole Checkpost, said green chilies are being imported from India every day.
“Nearly 233 tonnes were imported through the Benapole land port during the 10 working days from August 3 to 16. Several more trucks carrying green chilies are waiting at Petrapole port to enter Bangladesh. Once these consignments arrive, prices may fall further,” he said.
Market analysts, however, said long-term measures are needed to prevent sharp fluctuations in the prices of perishable agricultural products.
They recommended establishing permanent storage facilities and improving domestic supply chains. According to them, ensuring a stable local supply would also reduce excessive dependence on imports and help keep prices more stable.