Malda: Traders in West Bengal are feeling the heat from Bangladesh’s sudden ban on onion imports from India. This decision has led to serious worries for local exporters.
Under the new leadership of Mohammad Yunus, changes have impacted trade dynamics between the two countries. Currently, onions in Bangladesh are selling for around 100 taka per kilo. But with the ban in place, a considerable supply of onions—about 3,000 tonnes—has been left to rot at the border. If this stock had made it to Bangladesh, consumers could have bought them for half that price.
The import ban has created trouble not just for Bangladeshi buyers but also for Indian traders. Many brought onions to the border after receiving orders from their Bangladeshi counterparts, only to have those shipments stopped abruptly. Piles of onions can be seen at various points along the Mahdipur to Hili border, awaiting buyers who simply aren’t coming.
On November 16, a notification from the Sona Masjid Import and Export Group revealed that import controls had tightened. Initially, some importers were allowed permits for 50 tonnes, but soon after, this shifted to just 30 tonnes, and ultimately to a complete ban. The government claims this move is aimed at protecting local onion farmers.
During this season, around 30-35 truckloads of onions typically cross into Bangladesh daily. Faced with this ban, exporters like Sudhir Mandal from Mahdipur have been forced to find creative solutions. He shared his frustration, saying, “I had to sell some onions for just six taka per kilo, leading to significant losses.” Mandal had stockpiled four truckloads, and now they are rotting in storage.
On the other side, Bangladeshi importers wish to resume business. Nuruddin Biswas expressed disappointment, stating, “We are ready to import Indian onions, but we can’t due to the governmental restrictions.” This sentiment reflects a broader social media trend where many locals are discussing the rising prices and scarcity of onions in Bangladesh.
Ujjwal Saha, from the West Bengal Exporters Committee, highlighted the economic implications of the ban. He noted, “We have filed a complaint with the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce. We hope for a resolution that allows our stored onions to be exported.” The concern is real, as the stockpile continues rotting, which could have been a critical supply for both countries.
This situation isn’t new. In the past, similar trade disruptions have occurred, but the immediacy and magnitude of the current crisis catch everyone off guard. As the economy fluctuates, it’s vital to monitor such changes closely, as they can greatly affect food prices and commerce on both sides of the border.
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30000 TONNES OF ONIONS, ONION, WEST BENGAL, BANGLADESH, THE TRADERS SAID A LARGE QUANTITY OF ONIONS (APPROXIMATELY 3,000 TONNES) ARE LEFT TO ROT
