The price of green chillies has fallen by nearly half in various markets in Sharsha upazila of Jessore. The vegetable is now selling for around Tk 160 per kilogram, down from Tk 300 just five days ago.
Amid an abnormal surge in green chilli prices across the country, the government has allowed imports from India to stabilise the market. Over the past five days, around 80 tonnes of green chillies have been imported from India through Benapole land port.
Indian trucks carrying about 80 tonnes of green chillies entered Benapole port over the past five days. With the start of imports, green chilli prices have fallen by nearly half in markets across Sharsha upazila.
Green chilli importer Rafiqul Islam said chillies are being imported from India at $305 per tonne. Including all expenses, the import cost comes to around Tk 135 per kilogram, he said. “We are selling the chillies in the market with a small profit margin. If imports increase, prices will fall further,” Rafiqul said.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, imports of green chillies from various Indian states began after the government granted permission. In the first phase, 69 traders received import permits (IPs) to import a total of 29,710 tonnes of green chillies.
Green chillies were selling for Tk 300 per kilogram at the Benapole wholesale market just five days ago. Since Sunday morning (August 9), the price has dropped to Tk 150–180 per kilogram. Traders expect prices could fall below Tk 100 per kilogram if imports increase further.
The rapid decline in prices has been attributed to the quick processing of formalities and clearance of imported green chilli consignments immediately after they enter the port, allowing the produce to be transported to different parts of the country without delay.
The consignments were imported by Shimu Enterprise, while C&F agent Shimu Shipping Lines assisted with the clearance process at the port.
Ruhul Amin, acting director (Traffic) of Benapole Land Port, said arrangements are being made to complete documentation and clear chilli-laden trucks as quickly as possible immediately after they arrive at the port. “Many more trucks carrying green chillies are waiting on the other side of the border to enter the port,” he said.
