Gopalganj mkts brim with summer fruits; but they are too pricey

A diverse variety of summer fruits have appeared in the local markets of Gopalganj district in plenty as the peak season continues.

Just like mango, litchi, pineapple, banana, dragon, latcon, jackfruit etc. are now available in the district and upazila markets in abundance but their prices are exorbitantly high, except for mango, remaining far beyond the purchasing capacity of the commoners.

The same condition prevails in markets of four other upazilas of the district.

Rahmat Mollah, 60, a fruit trader of Gopalganj Natun Bazar, told the FE that all kinds of fruits have arrived in the local markets but they were compelled to sell them at high prices as they had to buy those at high rates from wholesalers.

But mango prices are comparatively lower than other fruits, Rahmat added.

A market visit found that per 100 big-sized litchis were being sold at Tk650 to Tk700, a medium-sized pineapple was available at Tk50 to Tk60, one kilogram of langra variety mango (medium-sized) was found selling at Tk70 to Tk80; but local variety mangos were cheaper.

One kilogram of lotcon was being sold at Tk 250 to Tk300, a medium-sized ripe jackfruit was being sold at Tk300 to Tk 350 and a quartet of large bananas (Sabri) was being sold at Tk60 to Tk 70 in the local markets.

Md. Hiru Sheikh (65), a jackfruit trader at Bedgram Bazar in Gopalganj town, told this corresponded that this year they had to purchase jackfruits from the hub at high prices. As a result, they were compelled to sell those at high prices too.

Customers alleged that traders are using chemical in maximum fruits to ripen

those artificially, endangering health of the consumers. But the local administration

is not taking necessary steps against the accused traders.

On the other hand, the district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Gopalganj, jointly organised a three-day-long National Fruit Fair in Sadar Upazila Agriculture Office from June 23 to June 25.

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