The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has expanded the number of customs stations for potato imports, adding nine more to facilitate the entry of potatoes from Nepal and Bhutan. This decision aims to diversify the sources of potato imports and reduce reliance on India. The newly included customs stations are Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj, Sonahat in Kurigram, Dhanua Kamalpur in Jamalpur, Nakugaon in Sherpur, Gobrakura and Karaitoli in Mymensingh, and Tamabil, Zakiganj, and Sheola in Sylhet. Previously, imports were limited to four stations, including Benapole and Bhomra. The extension is in place until March, as per a recent gazette.
Traders had requested this expansion last December when potato prices surged to a record Tk 80 (approximately $0.93) per kilogram due to a seasonal decline in stocks before the harvest season from February to April. However, the current scenario has shifted, with a significant drop in prices and a surplus harvest, leading to concerns among farmers about potential losses. Azizul Islam, a farmers' association leader in Dinajpur, voiced frustration over the continued import permissions, noting the adverse impact on local farmers due to the massive production and the lack of buyers. Prices in Dinajpur have plummeted to Tk 13 (about $0.15) per kilogram in the fields and around Tk 15 (approximately $0.17) per kilogram in retail markets, posing a challenge for farmers to cover costs, including those for seeds, labor, and land.
Islam has called for an immediate halt to imports and for government support through state purchases to protect farmers' livelihoods. Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, an NBR member in charge of international trade, explained that the decision to open new routes was in response to high prices and business demands, with official requests for extension processed within 20-22 days after vetting. Bangladesh saw an increase in potato acreage to a record 5.21 lakh hectares (521,000 hectares) this year, with annual demand between 85 lakh (8.5 million) to 90 lakh (9 million) tonnes and harvests around 106 lakh (10.6 million) tonnes. In fiscal year 2023-24, 1.5 lakh (150,000) tonnes were imported from India.
Source: The Daily Star