A farmer is observed gathering cucumbers from a field in Thakurgaon. The significant drop in prices has forced numerous farmers to abandon their produce right in the fields. Photo: Messenger
Thakurgaon farmers are grappling with the harsh realities of a market that has seen the price of cucumbers drop to an unprecedented low. What was once a promising season, marked by bumper crops and high initial market prices, has turned into a financial nightmare for many growers.
The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that farmers are now selling their cucumbers at a meager Tk 2 per kg, with each maund fetching between Tk 80 to Tk 100. This drastic decline in prices has left many farmers with no choice but to discard their produce, a heart-wrenching outcome for those who have invested time, money, and labor into their crops.
The initial optimism among farmers was understandable. At the beginning of April, cucumber prices were relatively high, offering a glimmer of hope for a profitable season. However, as the supply in the market increased, prices began to plummet, leaving farmers in a precarious financial situation. The disparity between the prices at which farmers sell their cucumbers and the retail prices in Dhaka, which range from Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg, highlights a significant issue within the supply chain.
Farmers have voiced concerns over the possibility of a syndicate operating within the market, manipulating prices and depriving them of fair compensation for their hard work. They are calling for an investigation into these practices, hoping to uncover any underlying price manipulation cycles.
Wholesalers, too, are feeling the pinch of the falling prices. They are buying cucumbers based on market demand but are unable to sell them at a profit due to the low prices. This situation has created a vicious cycle, with farmers and traders alike struggling to make ends meet.
The district's Agriculture Extension Directorate Deputy Director, Sirajul Islam, has acknowledged the bumper cucumber crop this year and the subsequent impact on prices. The oversupply in the market has led to a rapid decrease in prices, directly affecting the profit margins of farmers.
The plight of farmers like Nur Hossain, who invested heavily in cucumber cultivation only to face a loss of Tk 22,000, is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those at the bottom of the agricultural supply chain. Similarly, farmers like Nazim Uddin, Siddikul, Nendla Roy, and Manik Chandra Roy, who have seen their hopes for a profitable season dashed, are contemplating alternative crops to avoid further losses.
As the cucumber season in Thakurgaon comes to an end, the district's farmers are left to ponder the future of their livelihoods. The situation underscores the need for a more equitable market system that ensures farmers receive a fair price for their produce, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and supporting the economic well-being of rural communities.
The Thakurgaon cucumber crisis is not just a local issue but a reflection of broader systemic challenges within the agricultural sector. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, traders, and consumers, to ensure that farmers are not left behind in the race for economic prosperity.
Messenger/Faria
