Chilli farmers seek balance between retail, wholesale prices

MAGURA, Oct 21: Chilli growers in the district completed harvest a few days ago and they got a bumper production of the item.

But such profuse production has failed to bring smile on the faces of cultivators as they are not getting fair prices.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Magura, sources said some 795 hectares of land were brought under the production of chilli this season and 2,385 tonnes of production have been achieved.

Farmer Golam Hossen of Gangnalia village under Sadar upazila said he sold all his produce in the wholesale market at Tk 25 per kg while it Tk 60 per kg in the retail market.

He said traders deprive growers for more profit.

Another farmer Bhupoti Biswas of Tengakhali village said, "Our total income does not even cover the production cost. Authority should take action in this connection".

Trader Tilam Hossein of the district town said he does not know the reason why the item is being sold at Tk 60 per kg in the retail market.

Magura district marketing officer Jakir Hossein said, "If we get any specific allegation in this regard we will take action."

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