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In an effort to diversify supply sources and lessen reliance on India, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has permitted the use of nine additional customs stations for the import of potatoes, specifically from Nepal and Bhutan.
Nine Stations in Jammu and Kashmir
Sonahat in Kurigram, Dhanua Kamalpur in Jamalpur, Nakugaon in Sherpur, Gobrakura and Karaitoli in Mymensingh, Tamabil, Zakiganj, and Sheola in Sylhet, and Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj are among the nine stations.
Potato Import Facility
In the past, four customs stations, including Benapole and Bhomra, permitted the importation of potatoes. A gazette published on Monday states that this facility will be in place until March.
Tuber Prices Drop and Farmers’ Concerns
Last December, when tuber prices hit a record high of Tk 80 per kilogramme amid a typical decline in stockpiles prior to the harvest season between February and April, traders had requested the effort. Now that prices have dropped significantly nationwide and farmers are worried about suffering huge losses due to abundant crops, the facility won’t have much of an impact. The leader of a Dinajpur farmers’ association, Azizul Islam, voiced his displeasure with the NBR’s action.
Bangladesh’s Potato Import Policy
“Why is the government still allowing imports now, when potatoes are available at cheap rates in Bangladesh?” queried the man.
Islam, a native of Dinajpur sadar upazila’s Gopalganj hamlet, emphasized the predicament of the local farmers.
“This year’s production has been enormous, but there aren’t enough purchasers. Farmers will suffer greatly if the government permits imports, he said.
In Dinajpur, potatoes are currently sold in the farms for Tk 13 per kilogramme (kg) and in retail markets for about Tk 15 per kg.
Acreage reached a record high of 5.21 lakh hectares this year
“If farmers are forced to accept such low rates, they won’t recover even the money spent on potato seeds, let alone make a profit amidst rising labour and land costs,” he stated.
Islam called on the government to stop importing potatoes right away and help farmers by buying them from the government.
“The government must prioritise farmers and take the necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods,” he said.
Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, an NBR member of international trade who is currently in charge, explained the delay in the facility’s development by saying, “The NBR took the move based on businesses’ demand when the prices were high.”
However, at the end of December, businesses formally requested that we open new lines. Since we had to perform vetting on this matter, we need an additional 20 to 22 days for processing,” he stated.
Acreage reached a record high of 5.21 lakh hectares this year.
Harvests total about 106 lakh tonnes, whereas annual demand is between 85 lakh and 90 lakh tonnes.
1.5 lakh tonnes were imported from India in the fiscal year 2023–2024.
