Dhaka, Dec. 20 -- A surge in imports of chickpeas, dates, apples, and oranges even before Ramadan is driven by anticipated demand spikes.

Over 303,125 tonnes of these four items have received import permits (IPs) from the Chittagong Seaport Plant Quarantine Centre under the Agriculture Extension Department. Most chickpea and date importers hail from Khattunganj, while apple and orange traders dominate Chittagong Fruit Market.

Statistics from July 1 to December 11 show 129,093 tonnes of chickpea permits issued, but only 58,161 tonnes imported-a third of approvals. Dates saw 48,118 tonnes permitted versus 7,972.828 tonnes arrived. Apples had 78,685 tonnes approved and 49,334 tonnes imported; oranges 47,229 tonnes permitted and 42,605 tonn...