Onion imports withheld to protect farmers, says Agriculture Adviser

Lieutenant General (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Agriculture Adviser, on Wednesday stated that the government has not permitted onion imports in order to safeguard local farmers.

“There is no onion crisis. Prices rose to Tk 120–130 earlier, but they have now come down to around Tk 95–100. Some traders have pressured us to allow imports and even moved different courts seeking permission,” he told reporters after a review meeting on the Ministry of Agriculture’s Annual Development Programme at the Secretariat.

The adviser noted that summer onions have already started reaching markets and newly harvested onions are also arriving, adding, “So, there is no chance of onion prices rising again.”

On the issue of potato production, he highlighted that farmers faced losses this year due to not receiving fair prices. “Although prices have increased somewhat now, I believe they need to rise a bit more in the interest of farmers.”

He also spoke about concerns regarding potato spoilage, saying, “We were also concerned about possible spoilage. Cold storages usually empty by November 15, but this time we have allowed potatoes to remain stored until December 5.”

Regarding fertiliser supplies, the adviser assured that the country has sufficient stock, but warned that some unscrupulous individuals are artificially raising prices. “I have already instructed officials to maintain strict surveillance. Any officer failing to act will face consequences. Farmers must get fertiliser at the fixed price. No one is allowed to charge even a paisa more.”

He further clarified that recent gas price revisions will not affect fertiliser prices, stating, “Fertiliser prices will remain unchanged and will continue to remain so at least during our tenure. There is no possibility of a price hike.”

On the appointment of fertiliser dealers, the adviser said a policy has been implemented. “We will fill vacancies where they exist. Current dealers will continue as long as they are not involved in corruption or illegal activities. We are not cancelling anyone’s dealership; we are only filling vacant posts.”