Photo: Messenger
Fruit prices at Karwan Bazar in the capital are somewhat lower compared to other markets. This is why Nazmul Islam, an employee of a private company in the Bangla Motor area who lives in Mogbazar with his wife and three children, came here yesterday afternoon after work to buy fruits. Despite coming for local fruits, Nazmul struggled with the high prices.
He initially wanted to buy 5-6 kg of mangoes but, due to the cost, only purchased 4 kg. He bought three varieties of mangoes, each costing between Tk 120-130 per kg. Burmese grapes were expensive, so he only bought half a kg of large ones for Tk 260. He also bought a medium-sized jackfruit for about Tk 200.
This is Nazmul's second fruit-buying trip during the seasonal fruit month. He mentioned that he might not be able to afford to buy fruits again within the next week. Expressing frustration, he noted that last year he could buy good quality mangoes for Tk 70-90, but now there's a difference of more than Tk 50 in just one year. As a result, he has had to cut back on other expenses to afford fruits this year.
Visiting various markets in the capital, it was observed that the middle class and lower-middle class cannot buy and eat fruits according to their preference and demand even if they want to. Although various types of local fruits are available in the market during the fruit season, there is dissatisfaction among both buyers and sellers.
Buyers are saying that all seasonal local fruits are available in the market. However, they have to buy at a higher price this year compared to last year. Mangoes that could be bought within Tk 100 last year are now Tk 120-170. The price of blackberries has increased by more than double. Currently, blackberries are Tk 200-300. This year jackfruits are selling for Tk 100-400. It was even less last year. Pineapples that were Tk 10-15 are selling for Tk 30-60 this year. While Burmese grapes could be bought for Tk 100-150 last year, they are selling for Tk 250-280 this year. The price of Java apple is also high. It's selling for Tk 80-120.
Speaking to buyers and sellers, it was further learned that currently, depending on quality and size, Himsagar mangoes are Tk 90 to 160 per kg, Langra mangoes are Tk 90 to 120, Haribhanga Tk 100 to 130, Amrapali Tk 90 to 130, Banana Mango Tk 100 to 170, Katimon mango Tk 110 to 140, Gopalbhog mango Tk 90 to 110, BARI Mango-4 (hybrid) Tk 100 to 140, blackberries are selling for Tk 200 to 300 per kg, pineapples are Tk 40-60 per pair depending on size, dragon fruit Tk 300 per kg. Hog plum Tk 100, Java apple 180, sapodilla Tk 200, palm fruit Tk 30 per piece. Papaya Tk 150, Guava Tk 60 to 100. Pomelo (piece) Tk 120-150, Monkey jack Tk 30-50 per piece.
Abir, who came to buy fruits, said that in other years at this time, good mangoes could be found for Tk 60 to 80. But this year, slightly good quality mangoes can't be found below Tk 120-130.
Traders are saying that the price of seasonal fruits at the consumer level has increased due to supply chain issues, production problems, and other economic impacts. At the same time, domestic fruit production has decreased due to natural disasters and climate change. This is coupled with an increase in production costs. Traders also mentioned that the price of local fruits has increased somewhat due to the rising costs of fertilizers, agricultural labour wages, and other production inputs.
Fruit trader Saiful Islam from Karwan Bazar said, "We are forced to sell at higher prices because we buy at higher prices wholesale. If wholesale prices decrease, we can also sell to customers at lower prices."
Another trader, Ali Ahmed, said, "This time, the yield of local fruits like mangoes, blackberries, and lychees has been low. Moreover, many fruits have been damaged due to storms, rain, and heat stress. As a result, the supply of local fruits in the market is much less compared to the demand. Hence, the prices are also higher."
The difference in a year: According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, last year the wholesale price of Himsagar mango was Tk 41 per kg. This year it is Tk 79.99. And in Karwan Bazar wholesale market, the price of Himsagar is Tk 80 to 123 per kg.
Data from the Department of Agricultural Marketing shows that last year, the wholesale price of Langra mango was about Tk 39 per kg. This year it is Tk 80. While some average quality Langra mangoes are selling for Tk 50, good quality Langra mangoes cost Tk 80 to 90. Amrapali mangoes, which were Tk 43 per kg last year, are now selling at Tk 72 in wholesale.
Md. Mahbubul Alam, former president of the Karwan Bazar Ideal Fruit Traders Owners Association, told the media that there are various types of Amrapali in the market, and this mango cannot be found below Tk 60 in wholesale. As wholesale prices are higher this year, retail prices are also higher.
Messenger/Disha
