Increased Import Duty: Bangladesh has raised the import duty on Vidarbha oranges from Tk 88 per kg to Tk 101 per kg, posing significant challenges for exporters from the region.
Impact on Vidarbha: Vidarbha, known for its extensive orange cultivation over 126,000 hectares, with 78,000 hectares in the Amravati district alone, is heavily affected. Warud and Morshi tehsils in Amravati, covering 43,000 hectares, are major contributors, earning Warud the nickname ‘California of India’.
Production and Concerns: Ramesh Jichkar, CEO of Shramjivi Nagpuri Santra Producers Company Ltd, noted that Vidarbha produces about 800,000 MT of oranges annually across two seasons. He expressed concern over the consistent increase in Bangladesh’s import duties over the past five years, which is harming local farmers and traders.
Call for Government Intervention: The Indo-Bangla Orange Association (IBOA) has sought intervention from the Indian government, as the duty hikes could reduce exports to Bangladesh from 25% to less than 15% of Vidarbha’s total orange production.
Export Decline: The region typically sends around 60 truckloads of oranges daily to Bangladesh during the season, but this number has reportedly halved. Export statistics show a decline from over 141,000 MT in 2020-21 to an anticipated 25,000 MT in 2023-24.