Most winter vegetables and some spices were sold at 14-100% higher prices in the capital’s kitchen markets on 18 January (Thursday) compared to the same day of the previous year.
Data from the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) shows brinjal prices increased by 77.78%, green papaya 45.45%, pumpkin 70%, tomato 37.5%, cauliflower 66.67%, cabbage 45.45%, bottle gourd 20%, radish 45.45%, cucumber 33.33%, bean 14.29%, and carrot 14.29% in this period.
There was an abundant supply of seasonal vegetables, such as bottled gourd, green papaya, bean, tomato, potato, carrot, cauliflower, cabbage, and radish, in the last few weeks. Yet they are breaking the bank, with consumers struggling to afford them.
Moreover, the difference between vegetable production costs and retail prices is markedly high this season. This is benefitting only the middlemen and retailers while consumers are bearing the brunt.
The DAM data shows the production cost of brinjal is Tk10.26 per kg, green papaya Tk9.03 per kg, pumpkin Tk7.22 per kg, tomato Tk9.6 per kg, cauliflower Tk9.11 per kg, cabbage Tk9.47 per kg, bottle gourd Tk13.2 per piece, radish Tk5.5 per kg, cucumber Tk10.38 per kg, bean Tk11.5 per kg, and carrot Tk8.76 per kg.
Agro-economist and researcher Dr Jahangir Alam Khan told the Daily Sun vegetable prices had increased manifold this season than last year’s winter due to high inflation.
“Another reason is adverse weather characterised by prolonged rainfall in the planting season as well as the ongoing fog and cold wave,” he said.
Saiful Islam, a vegetable trader in Mirpur 6, said it is the peak winter time but vegetables are still pricey in the wholesale market.
On 18 January, there was a 100% increase in local onion prices compared to the same day in 2023. The essential kitchen item sold at Tk70-80 per kg while the production cost was only Tk22.3 per kg.
Besides, local garlic prices soared by 86.21%, selling at Tk260-280 per kg while the production cost is Tk54.72 per kg.
Beef prices increased to Tk700-750 per kg at kitchen markets in Mirpur 12, 11, and 6, and Mohammadpur in two weeks. In this period, broiler chicken prices rose to Tk220-230 per kg and Sonali chicken to Tk340 per kg.
Farm egg prices went up to Tk130-135 per dozen from Tk125-130 in a week.
