Mahidul Islam Ripon, Dinajpur

After a long 9-month closure, import of raw chili from India has resumed through Dinajpur's Hili land port. The first consignment of raw chili reached Hili port after the government's special permission to control the unbridled price of raw chili in the country's market.

The first consignment of 21 metric tons of green chilies arrived at Hili Port in three trucks on Monday (August 3) afternoon. Traders are hopeful that this will increase supply in the market and have a positive impact on prices in a short time.

According to sources at the Hili Land Port Plant Quarantine Center, 16 importers at Hili Port have been given permission to import a total of 5,150 metric tons of raw chilies to deal with the shortage and price hike in the market. The approved chilies will be brought to the country from India in phases.

Aminul Islam Palash, owner of the importing company M/s Palash International, said, "The government has allowed rapid import as the price of raw chilies has increased abnormally in the domestic market. The first consignment arrived today. Currently, raw chilies are being sold at around Tk 300 per kg in the market. If imports continue continuously, the supply will increase and the price may soon fall below Tk 100."

Assistant Commissioner of Hili Customs, Khandaker Solaiman, said, "Green chilli is a perishable agricultural product. Therefore, to ensure that the imported consignment reaches the market without any delay, the customs is clearing the goods by completing all the formalities on priority basis."

Traders say that if imports continue, the supply of raw chilies in the market will increase rapidly. This will reduce the pressure of abnormal price increases, restore stability to the market, and consumers will also find relief.