Jamalpur green chillies reach Malaysia, bringing new hope for farmers

Green chillies grown in Jamalpur are making their way into international markets, with exports now reaching Malaysia and sparking renewed enthusiasm among local farmers.

The kitchen essential is cultivated across vast cropland in the district, especially in shoal areas. Although adverse weather conditions led to a decline in cultivation and yield this season, growers are cashing in on higher prices, as locally produced Balijuri and hybrid chilli varieties are now being exported, fetching better rates than in the local market.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Jamalpur, the district had set a target of 7,350 hectares for chilli cultivation this season with a production target of 86,362 tonnes. However, actual cultivation covered 6,475 hectares.

Malek Mia, an exporter at Gabergram Bazar in Madarganj upazila, said they purchase chillies directly from farmers from afternoon to evening daily, at prices Tk 4–5 higher than the prevailing local market rate. The product is then packaged and shipped to Malaysia via Chattogram port, with each carton weighing 9kg.

So far, around 700 tonnes of chillies have been exported. While the local market price stands at Tk 28 per kg, exporters are offering Tk 34 per kg for export-quality produce, enabling farmers to collectively earn approximately Tk 2.38 crore in revenue.

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Photo: Star

The export initiative is not only ensuring better returns for farmers but also contributing to the country’s foreign currency earnings. Given the strong demand in Malaysia, stakeholders believe green chilli export holds significant potential, provided quality standards are maintained.

Farmer Abdul Rahim said yields were lower this year as excessive rainfall damaged crops, but prices have risen. “The exports are good for us as we get better prices,” he said.

Habibur Rahman, another grower, highlighted rising input costs. “Fertiliser prices are increasing. Without good yields, it’s hard to recover costs. However, with exports, prices are reasonable, and we hope to at least earn enough to cover the production costs this season,” he said.

Mohammad Alam Sharif Khan, DAE deputy director in Jamalpur, said green chillies from Madarganj and other areas of Jamalpur are being exported through companies and private exporters, adding that ensuring export-quality standards remains a priority for the department.