Consumers at a loss as early winter vegetable prices soar in Manikganj 

Shoppers in Manikganj are wearing looks of frustration as early winter vegetables hit the market with hefty price tags.

In this district, it's a challenge to find a kilogram of vegetables for less than Tk 80 in various local markets, and some vegetables are fetching prices exceeding Tk 120 per kilogram.

A recent market survey of seven upazilas within the district unveiled soaring prices for popular winter vegetables. Prices for items such as snake gourd, potato, papaya, and brinjal are ranging from Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kilogram. Most other vegetables are priced between Tk 80 and Tk 120 per kilogram.

Vendors are offering taro shoots, lady's finger, 'karla,' 'dhundal,' and 'chichinga' at a uniform rate of Tk 80 per kilogram. Local tomatoes are commanding a premium, with prices ranging between Tk 120 and Tk 140 per kilogram. Additional winter vegetables, such as beans (Tk 120), saffron (Tk 110), and green pepper (Tk 200-220, varying by store), are further compounding the burden on consumers. Round eggplants, a kitchen staple, are currently priced at Tk 120 per kilogram, while even the price of onions, considered indispensable for cooking, is now ranging between Tk 80 and Tk 100.

The surge in vegetable prices has left ordinary consumers disheartened. When asked about the reasons behind these elevated prices, traders pointed to inadequate vegetable supplies in Dhaka, primarily due to widespread field damage caused by continuous rain. This shortage has pushed prices up by Tk 30-40 per kilogram.

Singair upazila, renowned for vegetable production, possesses an abundance of vegetables; however, most of these are channeled to Dhaka through wholesalers. Among the wholesale markets in Manikganj, Jagir Arhat and Kamtar Pallihat in Saturia are notable.

Atiq Hasan, a government employee at the Manikganj bus stand raw market, expressed his concerns, saying, "The surge in vegetable prices is unprecedented. We're left with no choice but to pay these high prices for limited quantities."

Abul Hossain, a vegetable farmer from Jaimantop village in Singair, shared his experience, "I invested around Tk 2 lakh in cultivating four bighas of vegetables for the winter season. Unfortunately, my entire crop was decimated due to relentless rain, resulting in an inadequate yield. This has only exacerbated the demand and driven up prices."

Tota Mia, a wholesale trader in the Hargaj area of Saturia, shed light on the situation, stating, "I purchase vegetables from Aarat and distribute them to Kamar Para and Swissgate areas in Dhaka, albeit with a minor profit margin. Retailers in Dhaka subsequently raise prices to cover their costs."

Asaduzzaman Rumel, the Assistant Director of the Manikganj District Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, assured the public of their commitment, stating, "We are actively monitoring various vegetable markets and have initiated operations to address this issue. Our campaigns and ongoing oversight aim to stabilize prices for a variety of products in the market.”