Vegetable prices decrease while meat prices go up

With the beginning of spring, a slight decrease in the prices of winter vegetables has been observed. However, compared to any other time of the year, it is still relatively high. Conversely, the price of beef has increased significantly.

This correspondent went to many kitchen markets and saw that there were very few buyers in the market compared to the previous weeks due to overcast conditions.

It has been observed that vegetables such as cauliflower, radish, turnip, cauliflower, and cabbage are being sold for around 50 taka, which is 10-20 taka less than the previous week. Among them, cauliflower and cabbage are being sold at prices ranging from 30 to 40 taka per piece, depending on size. Additionally, potatoes are priced at 30 taka per kilogram, eggplants at 60-80 taka, papayas at 40 taka, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers at 40 taka per kilogram, pointed gourd at 70 taka, taro root arum at 80 taka, bitter gourd and gourd at 80-100 taka per kilogram.

Onions, however, have not seen a decrease in price yet, selling at 120-125 taka per kilogram. Similarly, ginger and garlic are being sold at 240-260 taka per kilogram.

In an effort to reduce prices, the government has provided duty exemptions on sugar imports this Ramadan. Taxes on cooking oil, rice, and dates have also been reduced. However, no significant impact has been observed on the prices of these items. In the capital, a kilogram of loose sugar is being sold for 145-150 taka. At the same time last year, the price was 110-120 taka.

Additionally, prices of rice, lentils, cooking oil, flour, onions, fish, meat, and eggs remain high.

On the other hand, the price of beef has increased by about 50 taka per kilogram. Despite being sold at 600 taka per kilogram before the elections, it has now risen to 700 taka. Last week, the price increased further, and it is now being sold at 750 taka per kilogram.

Golam Murtaza, president of the Meat Traders Association, said that due to the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha, farmers have reduced the sale of cattle, leading to a decrease in supply in the market, hence the rise in prices.

The prices of broiler chicken and farm chicken eggs are also stuck at high rates. Grade-A eggs are being sold at 45 taka per piece in major markets. Furthermore, at local shops, the price of eggs is 50 taka per piece or 150 taka per dozen. Additionally, broiler chicken is being sold for 220-230 taka per kilogram.