Staff Reporter :
Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Wednesday that the government has withheld onion imports to protect the interests of local farmers.
“There is no onion shortage. Prices had climbed to Tk120–130 but have since eased to around Tk95–100.
A group of traders is pressuring us to open imports and has even approached various courts for permission,” he told reporters after a review meeting on the Agriculture Ministry’s Annual Development Programme at the Secretariat.
He said summer onions have already begun arriving in markets and newly harvested onions are coming in as well. “So, there is no possibility of prices rising again,” he added.
Turning to potatoes, the adviser noted that farmers suffered losses this year due to low prices. “Although prices have firmed slightly, I believe they should increase further to ensure fair returns for growers.” To prevent spoilage, the government has allowed potatoes to remain in cold storage until 5 December an extension from the usual November 15 deadline.
On fertiliser supplies, he said the country has adequate stocks but warned that some dishonest actors are artificially inflating prices.
“Strict monitoring is underway. Any official who fails to take action will be held accountable. Farmers must receive fertiliser at the fixed price—no one can charge even a paisa extra.”
He also dismissed speculation linking fertiliser prices to recent gas tariff adjustments. “Fertiliser prices will remain unchanged throughout our tenure.”
Regarding fertiliser dealerships, the adviser said a new policy has been implemented. Vacant positions will be filled, while existing dealers will retain their licences unless found involved in corruption or illegal practices.
