Agri Biz
Onion Prices Double Overnight as India Extends Export Restrictions
![onion price bangladesh india](https://en.orthosongbad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/New-Project-38.jpg)
Following India’s decision to extend export restrictions on onions, the price of onions in Bangladesh nearly doubled overnight. On Saturday morning in the capital, local onions were being sold at Tk220, compared to Tk140 the previous day. Meanwhile, imported or Indian onions rose to Tk200 from Tk120-140 on Friday.
The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s notification on December 7 extended onion export restrictions until March 31 next year, setting a minimum export price at $800 and imposing a 40% export duty. The rationale behind this move is to enhance domestic availability and regulate prices. The notification outlines three conditions under which onion consignments can still be exported.
Badda grocery shop seller Mizan noted that onion prices surged in the wholesale market after India’s export ban, making onions both expensive and scarce. Due to the high purchasing rates, selling local onions below Tk220 became impractical for many sellers.
Shariful Islam, a vendor at Dilu Road, highlighted the impact on his daily procurement, stating that due to soaring prices, he could only acquire 15 kg of onions instead of the usual 1-2 sacks. Consequently, local onions were retailed at Tk220, and Indian imports at Tk200, compared to approximately Tk140 just a day earlier.
The commerce ministry in Bangladesh had announced price caps for essential commodities on December 7, including potatoes at Tk35-36 per kg, local onions at Tk64-65 per kg, and eggs at Tk12 per piece. Additionally, fixed prices were set for bottled soybean oil at Tk169 per litre, non-bottled soybean at Tk149, and palm oil at Tk124.
The Indian export ban follows a series of measures, including a 40% duty imposed by the Revenue Department of the Indian Finance Ministry on onion exports to Bangladesh in August. The Indian government also set a Minimum Export Price of $800 per tonne, effective from October 29 to December 31.
Bangladesh had previously halted onion imports from India in May 2022 to support local farmers, resulting in increased onion prices. India’s 2020 export ban on most onion varieties was implemented to control rising domestic prices following flood-related production losses.
Despite Bangladesh’s annual onion production exceeding 3.5 million tonnes, the country relies on imports due to significant wastage caused by storage and management challenges, amounting to 25% or more of total onion production.
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Agri Biz
Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed: Govt Committed to Controlling Commodity Prices
![Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed](https://en.orthosongbad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-2024-08-18T164358.533.jpg)
Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, emphasized today that the prices of commodities are closely linked to production and supply, and assured that the government is fully aware of the necessary steps to control these prices.
“We are very conscious of issues related to trade and commerce. My colleague, Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, who oversees the Ministry of Planning, is also focused on these matters. We are accustomed to handling such challenges,” Dr. Salehuddin remarked in response to reporters’ questions at the Ministry of Finance in Bangladesh Secretariat.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Salehuddin met with Edimon Ginting, the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at his office in the Economic Relations Division (ERD).
He noted that the government is also attentive to the impacts of imported inflation, stressing that only essential goods should be imported. “We must ensure that the additional burden on the general population is minimized and work to further reduce existing pressures,” he added.
Dr. Salehuddin also mentioned that the central bank governor is well-informed about the causes of rising inflation, which is why strict market monitoring is in place.
Addressing another question, he mentioned that the Bangladesh Bank Governor is actively managing the issue of increasing foreign currency reserves, and this topic will be raised in the upcoming annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF.
When asked about the outcomes of his meeting with the ADB, Dr. Salehuddin expressed that development partners, particularly the World Bank and ADB, remain positive about continuing their operations in Bangladesh. He noted that the ADB and other partners have assured him of their ongoing cooperation in the development sector.
He further highlighted that the development partners are eager to advance pipeline projects in alignment with the government’s priorities.
Regarding the possibility of delaying Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status beyond 2026, Dr. Salehuddin acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that it involves various conditions and the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). He assured that the government is closely monitoring the developments.
When asked about the demands from government employees for ration provisions, Dr. Salehuddin stated that both public and private sector employees are equally important, emphasizing the government’s priority to ensure that everyone can lead a decent life. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits equally,” he said.
On his new responsibilities with the Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin underscored the importance of local and international trade as key pillars of the economy. He assured that the government would strive to create a business-friendly and corruption-free environment in all business operations.
Recognizing the significant role of trade, commerce, and the supply chain in curbing inflation, Dr. Salehuddin promised prompt government action to address these issues.
He also mentioned plans to meet with the Ministry of Commerce and its subordinate bodies to tackle pressing matters. “You can be assured that I will do my utmost and take necessary steps swiftly,” he concluded.
Agri Biz
Prices of daily essentials to come down gradually: Finance adviser
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The prices of daily essentials will come down gradually, Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said today (14 August).
“Common people will get relief to some extent. But it can’t be said that the prices will decrease overnight,” he told reporters at the conference room of the Finance Ministry.
Responding to a question about syndicate in the market, he said, “There is nothing that has not come to our notice, I have some ideas, the governor also knows about it.
“The secretaries here are also very experienced and I told them that you will tell me everything without fear.”
Asked if any step will be taken regarding corruption, he said, “There was no discussion on the issue today.”
Responding to another question he said, “Action against corruption is an ongoing process, some processes need to be followed to punish someone. Some measures and action have already been taken.”
Responding to a question about the specific instructions given today, the finance adviser said the Industries and Agriculture ministries will do whatever needs to be done in the field of production, such as fertiliser supply and market management.
Agri Biz
Remal Ravages Crops in Khulna Agricultural Zone, Losses Estimated at Tk 180.24cr
![remal khulna crops](https://en.orthosongbad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-76.jpg)
Cyclone Remal has inflicted severe damage on crops across 45,590 hectares of land in the Khulna agricultural zone, causing losses worth Tk 180.24 crore, as reported by the Directorate of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khulna.
According to Mohon Kumar Ghosh, Additional Director of the DAE Khulna Zone, 44,148.95 hectares of farmland suffered partial damage, while 1,450.90 hectares were completely destroyed in the four affected districts: Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail.
In Khulna district, Cyclone Remal affected 3,565.65 hectares of cropland belonging to 13,796 farmers, resulting in losses estimated at Tk 42.98 crore. Bagerhat district witnessed damage to 12,611.50 hectares of cropland from 39,465 farmers, with losses amounting to Tk 97.36 crore. In Satkhira, 659.7 hectares of cropland owned by 12,156 farmers were affected, incurring losses of Tk 24.42 crore. Narail saw damage to 28,763 hectares of cropland from 8,620 farmers, with estimated losses of Tk 15.47 crore.
Speaking to BSS, Mohon Kumar Ghosh highlighted the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Remal to the southern coastal areas, particularly croplands. The affected crops include jute, Aush seedbed, aush cultivated land, groundnut, chili, bona Aman, ginger, turmeric, summer melon, litchi, mango, papaya, betel nut, sugarcane, banana, winter maize, sesame, and various Kharif season vegetables such as tomato, mung bean, and banana.
Following directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, efforts are being made to support the affected farmers. “We are working tirelessly to help the helpless farmers recover their losses,” Ghosh said, adding that the government is providing incentives and regular counseling and supervision at the field level to aid recovery.
In the coming months, the affected farmers will continue to receive various forms of government support to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Remal.