Unstable onion market in Jamalpur

Jamalpur: The price of domestic onion is skyrocketing on the news of India’s export disruption. Meanwhile, the onions have disappeared from some markets in Jamalpur.

Such a picture was seen on Tuesday (September 15) while visiting various markets in Jamalpur Sadar, Dewanganj and Bakshiganj.

Earlier this month, the Indian Onion Certificates (LC) were sold at Tk 25 and domestic onions at Tk 30. Last week, it was up to Rs 50 for Indian onions and Rs 70 for domestic onions.

But with the news of the closure of onion exports, the price of onion has risen to Tk 80 at once. Retailers say prices will continue to rise.
Traders said there are no onions in local stores. On the news of the increase in onion prices, small traders have collected these onions in their own way, store owners said.

Meanwhile, Jamalpur’s agricultural sector has been unable to return to normal despite ongoing floods. Aminul Islam, deputy director of the Jamalpur Agricultural Extension Department, said the floods had caused a loss of more than Rs 140 million Tk in the agricultural sector alone.

He told banglanews that although the Rabi season started after the current three-point floods, ordinary farmers were unable to cultivate the land due to heavy rains. As a result, the prices of agricultural products are increasing day by day.

However, the administration has started a strict monitoring to keep the onion price stable. A person has also been asked not to buy more than 500 grams of onion.

Meanwhile, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has started selling onions to control prices. In addition, Jamalpur (DC) Deputy Commissioner Enamul Haque has held talks with traders to control the price of onions.

DC Enamul Haque told banglanews that TCB has officially started selling onions at 30 Tk per kg to control the price. In addition, market monitoring has begun in each upazila. If onions are sold at additional prices, they will be subject to the law.

Bangladesh time: 0855 hours, September 18, 2020
MR