Amidst the bustling trade at Dinajpur’s Hili land port, the import of moringa sticks, commonly known as Sajne data, alongside other summer vegetables, has notably increased the port’s revenue. This surge is attributed to the growing consumer demand in urban centers like Dhaka and Chattogram for healthier food options and a prevailing shortage of local moringa varieties. Mahabub Hossain, a wholesaler, highlighted that the market is currently dominated by imported moringa sticks, with local varieties expected to hit the market nearly a month later.
Soaring Demand and Import Trends
In recent transactions, the Hili land port saw the import of two primary vegetables: taro roots and moringa sticks. February records revealed that while 11 tonnes of taro were imported, moringa stick imports exceeded 400 tonnes, as per Sohrab Hossain, public relations officer of Hili-Panama Port Link Ltd. Interestingly, potato imports have been halted for the past 20 days. From February 13 to 25, 27 trucks carrying 285 tonnes of moringa sticks crossed into Bangladesh from India, showcasing the significant demand for this nutritious vegetable. The import of these sticks not only satisfies consumer demand but also contributes to the port’s revenue, with a notable collection of Tk 52 lakh in just 13 days.
Market Dynamics and Pricing
The pricing structure for importing moringa sticks is detailed by the traders who pay $150 per tonne, with an additional duty fee of Tk 20 per kilogram. This taxation frames the wholesale price range of Tk 80-90 per kg. Abdul Momin, a wholesaler from Bogura, commented on the quality and pricing at the wholesale level, where Indian moringa sticks are sold for Tk 100-120 per kg. The preference for Indian moringa sticks over local varieties is not only due to their superior quality but also their immediate availability in the market.
Implications for Local Supply and Trade
The influx of imported moringa sticks raises questions about the domestic supply and the impact on local farmers. Harun ur Rashid Harun, president of the Hili land port import-export group, mentioned the lack of available data on domestic moringa stick supply, suggesting a potential area for policy intervention and support for local agriculture. The current trend underscores the importance of balancing import reliance with the development and promotion of local produce, ensuring food security and supporting the agricultural sector’s sustainability.
