Dhaka: Vegetable prices in the kitchen markets of Chattogram have decreased slightly over the past 15 days, despite production losses caused by the floods that affected several upazilas in early July. The floodwaters have receded, allowing short-term vegetable production to resume. Although areas like Satkania, Banshkhali, Chandanaish, and Lohagara experienced significant flood damage, vegetable supplies have been sourced from other upazilas and hilly regions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, trucks transporting vegetables from different regions of the country are consistently arriving in Chattogram. Previously, vegetable prices surged to Taka 100 per kilogram due to the floods but have now decreased by Tk 10-20 per kilogram. The Agriculture Department indicated that despite the severe damage to local production, the market is not solely reliant on local supplies as a substantial quantity of vegetables is imported from outside.
Buyers have expressed the need for regular market monitoring to keep commodity prices affordable. Discussions with buyers and sellers in Chawkbazar, Bahaddarhat, Kazir Deuri Raw Market, and Riazuddin Market revealed that vegetable prices have somewhat eased. Although most vegetables are now priced between Tk 30 and 80, high-quality 'brinjal' and 'tomatoes' remain at Tk 120 per kilogram.
Jahangir Alam, a customer from Bahaddarhat, remarked that while prices for certain vegetables have decreased, 'brinjal' and 'tomatoes' remain expensive. Another customer, Jahirul Islam, noted that 'brinjal', 'dal', 'jhinga', and papaya are offered at lower prices but suggested that a reduction in the prices of 'brinjal' and 'tomatoes' would provide greater relief.
Iqbal Hossain, a vendor at Kazir Deuri Bazar, explained that the decline in prices for several vegetables results from increased supply from various districts. However, the supply of 'brinjal' and 'tomatoes' remains low, necessitating higher purchase prices from suppliers. Md Kaiser, a seller at Bahaddarhat Kacha Bazar, stated that increased supply has contributed to lower prices, with 'brinjal', 'dal', 'jhinge', and 'jali' being sold at Tk 60 and papaya at Tk 30 per kg.
A recent market visit revealed a slight decline in the prices of green chillies and 'brinjals', with green chillies dropping from Tk 120 to Tk 100 per kg and 'brinjals' from 100-110 to 80-90 taka. Additionally, carrots dropped from Tk 120 to Tk 80-90, and 'potol' decreased from Tk 80 to Tk 50 per kg.
Omar Faruk, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chattogram, stated that the heavy rains and landslides from July 6 to 14 severely damaged over 5,907 hectares of vegetable farmland, resulting in a loss of 43,050 tons in production and a financial setback of Tk 861 million. Despite this, Chattogram relies on imports from neighboring districts.
Abdul Karim, a private sector employee, mentioned that although prices have dropped, some traders are using floods as an excuse to inflate prices, citing a lack of market oversight. SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, accused traders of exploiting inadequate market supervision and emphasized the need for enhanced market monitoring to ensure price stability.