Commencement of Indian potato imports leads to decrease in local potato prices

Potato imports from India have commenced through the Hili Land Port in Dinajpur. On the news of import, the price of domestic potato has decreased by Tk 5 per kg. To lower prices, there has been a slight increase in affordability among ordinary consumers.

The import process started with three trucks loaded with Indian potatoes entering Bangladesh around 2.30 pm on Saturday.

It is known that an importing company named M/s Mukt Enterprise of Pabna district is importing these potatoes. They have imported 74 metric tons of potatoes through three Indian trucks. The import cost is $155 per metric ton.

Yusuf Ali, deputy assistant revenue officer at the Hili Land Port's Plant Quarantine Center, said that 52 importers have obtained permission to import around 32,000 metric tons of potatoes through the Hili Land Port.

A representative of the importing company said that the import of potatoes has commenced through this port from India. Potatoes are being imported from various states in India, and all expenses considered, these potatoes will be sold in the country at a rate of 20 taka per kilogram.

On the other hand, the news of potato imports has begun to impact the market in Hili, causing a reduction in prices. The price has decreased by five taka per kilogram. Currently, larger-sized cut potatoes are being sold at 30 taka, reduced by five taka, and smaller-sized Patna potatoes are being sold at 35 taka, also reduced by five taka.