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A group of export-import traders in the Sonamasjid area of Chapainawabganj has urged the government to resume issuing permits to import onions from neighbouring India.
Onion prices skyrocketed in the last two days in the capital by Tk 10-20 to Tk 80 per kg.
The Sona Masjid Importer and Exporter Group recently requested the agriculture ministry in a letter to take steps in this regard.
According to the letter, onion production in the country has been satisfactory this year.
Several areas, including Rajbari, Faridpur, Nagarkanda, Kushtia, Magura, Shailkupa, and Pabna, have seen good yields.
Farmers and wholesalers in these areas usually build up stocks according to their own capacity every year to maintain market supply from August to December.
Onion supply and prices in the market depend on these stocks. But due to heavy rains this year, serious problems have arisen in the storage of onions in these areas, the letter said.
Due to the excessive humidity caused by rains, onions stored in the houses of many farmers and traders have rotted. Onions have also been sold prematurely.
As a result, the market may see a crisis and price volatility in the coming months, the letter noted.
On the other hand, past experience shows when onion production areas in India are affected, their authorities suddenly impose export bans.
India imposed such a ban in September-October last year, creating a massive crisis in the Bangladeshi market that lasted four to five months. Many importers brought onions by ship but faced serious losses due to rotting.
Because of this, the government should issue permits immediately to import onions from India, the letter added.
An agriculture ministry official said, "We received the letter. We are scrutinising the matter as the government is in favour of protecting the interests of local onion farmers."
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