Photo : Messenger
Manikganj, renowned for its rich vegetable production, is currently experiencing a spike in vegetable prices during the winter season, leaving consumers perplexed and disappointed.
As winter vegetables flood the market, the cost has become a concern for residents. In various raw markets across Manikganj, a kilogram of vegetables is scarcely available for less than 70 taka, with some varieties reaching prices of 80-90 taka. A survey across the seven upazilas of the district reveals that essential vegetables like potal are priced at 60 taka, potatoes at 45-50 taka, papaya at 30 taka, and long brinjal ranging from 60 to 80 taka. Other vegetables hover between 60 and 70 taka per kilogram.
Vendors are observed selling items such as orum, ladyfingers, bitter gourd, and snake gourd at 80 taka per kilogram, while long eggplant is priced at 60 taka per kilogram. Local tomatoes are in the range of 60 to 70 taka per kilogram, and local onions are currently being sold between 80 and 100 taka.
Buyers, faced with the high vegetable prices, express disappointment. In response, traders attribute the price surge to several factors. They point out that farmers have suffered repeated losses in the current season, leading to lower vegetable production. Simultaneously, the demand for vegetables in the market remains high, contributing to the elevated prices.
Singair Upazila, renowned for its vegetable production, faces a situation where the majority of its produce is directed towards Dhaka through wholesalers. Notably, the wholesale markets of Jagir Arhat and Kamtar Pallihat in Saturia contribute significantly to the distribution of raw produce in Manikganj.
Atiq Hasan, a government employee at Manikganj bus stand raw market, highlights the recent surge in vegetable prices. He notes that the price of brinjal has risen to Tk 60 per kilogram, while pointed gourd is being sold at 80 taka per kilogram.
Abul Hossain, a vegetable farmer from Jaimantop village in Singair, shares the challenges faced during the winter season. Despite investing around 2 lakh taka in planting 4 bighas of vegetables, continuous rains resulted in the destruction of all vegetable fields, leading to no yield. This unfortunate turn of events has not only impacted local farmers but has also intensified the demand for vegetables in the market, subsequently driving prices higher.
Tota Mia, a wholesale trader in the Hargaj area of Saturia, sheds light on the supply chain dynamics. He purchases vegetables from Aarat and sells them in Kamar Para and Swissgate areas of Dhaka, operating on a modest profit margin. However, retailers in Dhaka acquire the produce from wholesalers like Tota Mia and sell them at slightly higher prices, further contributing to the overall rise in vegetable prices.
In response to the prevailing situation, Asaduzzaman Rumel, Assistant Director of Manikganj District Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, assures proactive measures. He states, "We are observing different vegetable markets and have initiated operations. Our campaign and monitoring will persist to stabilize the prices of various products in the market." The efforts aim to address the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers, fostering a more balanced and stable vegetable market in Manikganj.
Messenger/Fameema
