Green chilli hits Tk 400 kg in Moulvibazar
Following several days of heavy rainfall, the price of green chillies in Moulvibazar has surged to a record Tk 400 per kg. Traders reported that the prices of almost all types of vegetables have risen due to production disruptions caused by the incessant rain and a subsequent drop in market supply.
A visit to various markets in Moulvibazar on Thursday our correspondent said green chilies were selling at Tk 400 per kilogram, although prices were slightly higher at local retail shops. Following several days of continuous heavy rainfall, the price of green chilies in Moulvibazar has surged to a record Tk 400 per kg.
Traders said that the prices of almost all types of vegetables have risen due to production disruptions caused by the incessant rain and a subsequent drop in market supply.
But just a week ago, this chilli was sold for 110-110 TK per kg, and a few days ago, the price was only 50-60 TK per kg. Vegetable seller Muktadir Hossain said that due to continuous rains and water coming down from upstream, many plants have been damaged and the supply in the market has decreased. The same situation has arisen in the case of other vegetables. “A week ago, I sold raw chilli for 110-120 TK per kg. Now I get it for 400- “We have to sell at 450 TK,” he said.
Kulaura Upazila Agriculture Officer Jasim Uddin said that heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused flooding and waterlogging in various parts of the country, severely impacting vegetable cultivation.
He said, “Green chili plants are extremely sensitive to waterlogging, which has led to a drop in production. Consequently, the prices of green chilies and other vegetables have risen.”
Wholesaler Moyjul Islam stated that prices have risen because supplies in local markets have dwindled due to floods in the districts where green chilies are primarily grown. He further noted that green chilies are currently selling at a wholesale rate of Tk 380 to Tk 390 per kg.
Rana Mia, a rickshaw puller who came to buy vegetables, said, “The prices of all types of vegetables have gone up due to the rain, the price of green chilies has risen the most.”
“I had to spend 100 Tk just to buy a quarter of a kg of chili peppers. My income has also dropped due to the continuous rain, as I haven’t been able to drive my rickshaw regularly. With the rising prices of essential commodities, it has become very difficult to support my family.”
The prices of other vegetables have also risen significantly. The price of taro corms (kochur mukhi) has gone up from 40 Tk to 70 Tk per kg, while the price of eggplant has surged from 50 Tk to 120 Tk.
Cucumbers are selling at Tk 80 per kg. Current prices for other vegetables are: potatoes Tk 35, onions Tk 55, pointed gourd Tk 65, ridge gourd Tk 80, bitter gourd Tk 110, okra Tk 70, cauliflower Tk 90, teasel gourd Tk 100, and papaya Tk 40 per kg. Bottle gourds are selling for Tk 70-80 per piece, and ash gourds for approximately Tk 60. Prices of fish and chicken are also steadily rising.
