Import of green chilli from India has started again after eight months through the Hili Land Port in the district.
Dinajpur Hili Land Port Revenue Department officer Md Nizamul Islam confirmed the matter.
He said four trucks carrying green chilli of 32 tonnes and 48 kilograms entered Bangladesh from India on Friday and Saturday.
Hili Land Port Import-Export Group President Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi said two import-export companies named M/s NC Trade International and Satata Banijjalaya imported the green chilli from Siliguri, India through the Land Port.
The price of green chilli was decreased by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg after import of those from India as it was sold at Tk 100 to Tk 130 two days back, now it is being sold at Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg at the Hili market.
Due to rain in different parts of the country for a few days, the flowers of green chilli have been destroyed in the chili fields. As a result, the production of chilli has decreased a lot.
Therefore, the price has increased due to the decrease in the supply of chilli to the places.
The owner of the importer Satata Banijjalaya said green chilli is being imported from Siliguri in India due to its demand in the country’s kitchen markets and the sudden price increases.
The imported green chilli is being unloaded as soon as they enter the country, and two trucks of chilies have been sold yesterday by transporting those from the Hili Land Port to several districts including the capital Dhaka.
He said that if there is no demand, they will not import chilli again.
Shilpi said, “To keep the country’s market normal, green chilli is being imported through the port along with other products. The imported green chilli will meet the demand of the surrounding upazilas and go to different parts of the country.”
He assured that the price of green chillies will further decrease in a few days.