Vegetable prices soar despite good yield

BSS :

Lalmonirhat, like other districts in the northern region, is witnessing a bumper yield of early winter vegetables such as gourd, radish, cabbage, patal, cucumber, beans, brinjal and tomato arriving daily in wholesale markets directly from the fields.

Despite normal production and supply, retail prices continue to climb, causing frustration among consumers. Residents said that as a major producing district, Lalmonirhat typically offers vegetables at relatively low prices.

This year, however, a steady price hike for more than a month has left buyers disappointed. Many have called for stricter government monitoring to curb market volatility and ensure fair pricing.

A visit to various markets in the district headquarters on Saturday revealed that small bitter gourd was selling at Taka 100-110 per kg, large bitter gourd at Taka 70-80, tomatoes at Taka 70-80, carrots at Taka 50-60, beans at Taka 70-80, barbati at Taka 50-60, cucumbers at Taka 40-45, sweet pumpkin at Taka 40-45, patal at Taka 40-50 and gourds at Taka 40-45 per piece.

Cauliflower and cabbage were selling at Taka 30-40, while coriander leaves cost at Taka 50 per bundle. Green chilies were priced at Taka 80-90, onions at Taka 110-115, ginger at Taka 140-150, garlic at Taka 70-80 and potatoes at Taka 20-40 per kg. Prices varied slightly between the town and union-level markets.

Buyers expressed dissatisfaction over the widening gap between wholesale and retail prices in the Goshala and Borabari markets.

Advocate Russell Tokder, 34, who was purchasing vegetables at the BDR Hatkhola market, said, “Lalmonirhat is a vegetable-producing district.

Normally, we could buy vegetables for Taka 10 to 40 at this time. It is unreasonable for prices to rise here. For those earning only Taka 300 to 500 a day, it has become a burden.”

He blamed excessive profiteering and weak government monitoring for the instability, adding that regular supervision could help restore normal prices.

Vendors Alamuddin, 42, of the Senamaitri Hawkers Market and Ali Haque, 52, of the BDR Hatkhola market said farmers were unable to plant on time due to strong winds and heavy rainfall early in the season.

Many fields were damaged, reducing supply. They also alleged that market syndicates were influencing price increases.

At Barabari depot, wholesaler Sekender Ali, 40, and retailers Md. Khairul Islam, 34, and Md. Sohel Islam, 27, echoed similar concerns.

Sekender Ali said, “Farmers have been harvesting vegetables for a month and getting good prices.

But because cultivation started late, supply is low and prices have gone up. When supply increases in a few days, prices should stabilize.”

Farmer Majid Ali, 52, said sudden rain, cyclone winds and cold snaps damaged crops, lowering yields.

Increased production costs-such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and labor-have also contributed to higher market prices.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 2,155 hectares of land in Lalmonirhat have been planted with early vegetables this season, in addition to potatoes.

Cultivation is expected to increase in the coming weeks, with emphasis on producing safe, poison-free vegetables.