Dhaka: The import of green chili from India via Hili Land port is going on in full swing, increasing the supply and reducing the price in the last few days.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ASM Akram Hossain Samrat, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Customs at the Hili port, stated that Bangladeshi importers have already imported 618 metric tons of green chili loaded in 72 trucks in the last one week. A total of 15 trucks loaded with green chili have already entered into Bangladesh territory via this port till 12 noon today (Saturday), with a few more trucks on the queue on the Indian side for entering into Bangladesh.
Md Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, president of the importers association at Hili Land Port, mentioned that the price of green chili has reduced by Taka 50 to 60 per kilogram due to the import. Md Yusuf Ali, an officer of the port, informed BSS that the government decided to import green chili from India as its price increased in the local market suddenly.
Only on August 22, a total of 239 metric tons of green chili loaded in 29 trucks were brought to Bangladesh via Hili Land Port, marking a record in chili imports in recent times. The importers alleged that the production of green chili has been seriously hampered in the country due to the ongoing flood and drought.
In the local markets, the price of green chili is about Taka 150 to 160 per kilogram, while importers buy one kilogram of chili in India at a cost of 70 to 80 Rupees. Additionally, importers have to pay Taka 37 per kilogram as customs duty.