Onion imports withheld to protect farmers: Agriculture Adviser

Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said the government has not allowed onion imports in order to protect 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 said summer onions have already started reaching markets and newly harvested onions are also arriving. “So, there is no chance of onion prices rising again,” he added.

On potato production, he said farmers incurred losses this year as they failed to get fair prices. “Although prices have increased somewhat now, I believe they need to rise a bit more in the interest of farmers.”

“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,” he added.

On fertiliser supplies, the adviser said the country has sufficient stock. “Yet some dishonest individuals are increasing fertiliser 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 also clarified that recent gas price revisions have no link to fertiliser prices. “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 appointing fertilizer dealers, the adviser said a policy has been introduced.

“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.”