TDS Desk:

A record amount of potato was imported in one day through Hili land port of Dinajpur. 1 thousand 818 tons of potatoes were brought to the country in 71 trucks, which is the highest import record in one day in the history of the port. As a result, the price of potatoes has decreased in the country’s market. A day ago potato was sold at Tk 55-57 per kg but now the price is Tk 51-53 per kg.

In Hili market, it was found that Katinal potato is being sold at Tk 50, Sattal potato at Tk 55, Bileti potato at Tk 65, Ganola potato at Tk 50 per kg. Potato prices are slightly lower than last two days.

Hili port sources said that the government has reduced the import duty from 25 percent to 15 percent and withdrawn the regulatory duty from September 5 to keep the price of potatoes at a tolerable level and the supply normal. Diamond and Katinal potatoes are being imported through the port.

Wholesalers who came to buy potatoes from Hili Port said that the price of potatoes was Tk 48 a kg a few days ago, which gradually reached Tk 57. But with so many potatoes arriving together on Thursday, prices have fallen, making it easier for wholesalers to buy and also reducing their business costs.

Importers of potatoes said that imports will continue to keep supply normal and prices under control in the country’s market. However, since the price of potatoes is high in India, it is becoming difficult for them to import as per the demand.

Noor Islam, an importer of Hili port, said that the importers are importing large quantities of potatoes from India to keep the prices normal in the country’s market. So that the price of potatoes in the country is decreasing. Import-export operations through the port will be closed on Friday, so a record amount of potatoes was imported on Thursday to maintain supply in the market. If the import of potatoes increases, the price will decrease further.