The government has allowed the imports of green chilli from India as its price has shot up to Tk 300 a kg in the retail market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
According to the Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the price of green chilli in the market has risen above Tk 250 per kg, which is much higher than other cooking ingredients. As a result, the import has been allowed to keep the market situation normal.
A senior official of the PQW said, “Following the price hike, the DAE director general spoke to the ministry and asked us to take necessary steps. Import Permit has been given as per instructions.”
On Sunday, after visiting Moghbazar, Kanthalbagan and Karwan Bazar in the capital, it was seen that green chilli sold for Tk 250 to Tk 260 per kg in the wholesale market, while the item sold for Tk 280 to Tk 300 per kg in the retail market though the price was Tk 120-Tk 150 per kg three days ago.
Retailers charge Tk 75 to Tk 80 for 250 grams and Tk 150 for half a kg. If anyone buys 100 grams, the cost is Tk 30 to Tk 35.
Bangladesh Kanchamal Arat Malik Samity President Imran Master said, "The production of green chilli decreases at this time in the country. Due to the low supply of the item in the market, the price has increased.”
According to importers, the price of green chilli is between Tk 25 and Tk 30 per kg in the markets of India. If Indian green chilli comes to the country, excluding all costs, the price will be between Tk 80 and Tk 100 per kg in the retail market.
