In the Dinajpur’s Hili Land Port, Bangladesh the adverse weather conditions such as varying temperatures, and untimely rain caused the loss in the hundreds of tonnes of onions imported that came from India. The traders and importers in the port say that as of October 19, about 6,500 tons of onions have been delivered in 209 trucks. an average daily rate between 20-25 vehicles. But, the recent temperatures in the Hakimpur upazila in Dinajpur are above the storage limit that is 25-30 degrees Celsius which has led to loss of onions.

In addition The region has also experienced periodic power interruptions, extreme humidity and heavy rainfall that have resulted in 35-40% of the onion stocks rotting in the last week. Lack of proper protection for the transport of onions from India especially from rain is also identified as the primary reason for the rotting.

Local importers who are facing massive losses, are selling their damaged onions for discounted rates of Tk 30/kg. Abdus Salam, a local importer, said that about 35% of his supply is rotting, requiring the sale of damaged onions for around Tk 20-30 per kilogram and dispose of the rest. However however, the top-quality preserved onions can be purchased for between 85 and 95 Tk per kilogram.

The power outages have restricted the capacity of cooling fans in warehouses. They are essential to conserving stock the power supply being cut to 10-12 hours a day. This recurring issue in the summer months has led to calls for creation of a storage facility for scientific research facility near the port in order in order to limit any future loss. Wholesale markets in Dinajpur offer fresh Indian onions priced at around 120-130 Tk per kg, and slightly damaged ones for Tk 100-110 and local onions getting the highest price at Tk 140-150 for a kilogram.

Source: The Daily Star