(BSS) - The import of green chili from India via Hili Land port is going on in full swing, increasing the supply and reducing the price in the last few days.

According to ASM Akram Hossain Samrat, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Customs at the Hili port, Bangladeshi importers have already imported 618 metric tons of green chili loading in 72 trucks in last one week.

A total of 15 trucks loaded with green chili have already entered into Bangladesh territory via this port till 12 noon today (Saturday), he said, adding that a few more trucks with green chili are on the queue on the Indian side for entering into Bangladesh.

Md Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi, president of the importers association at Hili Land Port said that the price of green chili has reduced by Taka 50 to 60 per kilogram due to the import.

Md Yusuf Ali, an officer of the port, told BSS that the government has decided to import green chili from India as its price increased in the local market suddenly.

Only on August 22, a total of 239 metric tons of green chili loaded in 29 trucks were brought to Bangladesh via Hili Land Port that is a record in importing chili in recent times.

The importers alleged that the production of green chilli has been hampered serious in the country due to the ongoing flood and draught.

The price of per kilogram (KG) chili in local markets is about Taka 150 to 160 and the importers buy one KG chili in India at a cost of 70 to 80 Rupee. The importers have to pay Taka 37 for per KG as customs duty.