Raw chilli import through Hili Land Port begins after 8 months

Import of raw 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 to BSS on Saturday. 

He said four trucks carrying raw chilli of 32 metric tons and 48 kilograms (kgs) 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 raw chilli from Siliguri, India through the Land Port.

The price of raw chilli was decreased from Taka 20 to Taka 30 per kg after import from India as it was sold at Taka 100 to Taka 130 two days back, now it is being sold at Taka 80 to Taka 100 per kg at the Hili market.  

Due to rain in different parts of the country for a few days, the flowers of raw chilli have been destroyed in the chilli 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 raw 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 raw chilli is being unloaded as soon as they enter the country, and two trucks of chillies were 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, raw chilli is being imported through the port along with other products. The imported raw chilli will meet the demand of the surrounding upazilas and go to different parts of the country." 

He assured that the price of raw chillies would further decrease in a few days.