Covid causes drop in Chattogram’s annual vegetable exports

Annual vegetable exports from Chattogram by air have decreased by Tk400 mln (€4 mln) as a result of…

Annual vegetable exports from Chattogram by air have decreased by Tk400 mln (€4 mln) as a result of the closure of international flights amid the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country. Normally, about 3,000 tons of vegetables are exported to various countries in the Middle East through Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport every year. Fruit exports account for about 10% compared to vegetables exported.

According to the Plant Quarantine Station of Shah Amanat International Airport, 3,000 tons of vegetables were exported by air from Chattogram in the 2018-19 financial year, which fell by 900 tons to 2,100 tons in the 2019-20 fiscal year. In fiscal year 2020-21, the export of vegetables further decreased by 3% to 1,100 tons. No vegetables were exported through Chattogram airport in 2021-22 as international flights were suspended.

Vegetable exporters said the average selling price of vegetables is $2.5 per kilogram or Tk200 (€2.00). As such, the price of 3,000 tons of vegetables is Tk600 mln (€6 mln).

As reported¸ the vegetable export season starts from March and continues till November when vegetables are exported to various countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.