Veg prices rise on rain-induced supply crunch in Manikganj

MANIKGANJ, Aug 20: Continuous rainfall over the past several days has severely damaged vegetable fields across Manikganj district, leaving farmers, traders, and consumers in distress.

In particular, waterlogging in low-lying areas has caused widespread crop rot, drastically reducing supply to wholesale markets and driving prices up sharply. Within just a week, retail prices of most vegetables have risen by Tk10 to 15 per kilogram, creating a crisis for all stakeholders.

A visit to the district's largest wholesale hub, Bhatbaur Arot, revealed the impact of the supply shortage.

Where daily transactions once reached Tk20-25 lakh, trade volume has now dropped to less than half. Stalls that were once stacked high with produce now appear relatively bare, with the exception of papaya, taro stem, and lemon, which remain comparatively stable in prices. For nearly all other vegetables, however, costs have surged.

On Wednesday, eggplant was selling wholesale for Tk60 per kilogram, okra for Tk 50, cucumber for Tk 35, pointed gourd for Tk55-60, bitter gourd for Tk60, spiny gourd for Tk70 and green chili for Tk190-200. Only a few weeks earlier, most of these vegetables were available for Tk30-45.

Wholesalers expressed frustration over the situation. Ali Hossain, a trader of Bhatbaur Arot, said, "Before rains, I purchased vegetables worth over a lakh taka daily. Now, the supply has halved. With fewer goods and higher demand, prices are bound to rise."

Another trader, Lal Mia, said, "Every week prices go up. Last week, I sold eggplant wholesale at Tk40; now it's impossible to find below Tk 55-60."

Farmers, meanwhile, are facing devastating losses. Abdul Malek, a grower, lamented, "Most of my eggplant, okra, cucumber, and bottle gourd fields are gone. Even if I replant now, it will take at least one and a half to two months before I can harvest again."

The spike in wholesale prices has inevitably affected retail markets. Vendors claim they are compelled to sell at higher rates, resulting in angry reactions from customers.

Retailer Rafiqul explained, "Since wholesale prices are up, we have no choice but to sell at higher rates. Buyers often complain, and many purchase less than before."

Another vendor, Azizul Haque, said, "Earlier, Tk 200 bought 4-5 kilograms of vegetables. Now the same amount barely covers 2-3 kilograms."

Ordinary consumers are hit hardest. Shirin Akhter, a housewife, said, "I used to manage weekly shopping with Tk500. Now it doesn't last even three days."

Another buyer, Monowar Hossain, complained, "These prices are beyond the reach of common people. Managing daily expenses has become extremely difficult."

Md Nazmul Haque Tutul, acting officer of the District Agricultural Marketing Department, stated, "We regularly monitor the market. When abnormal price differences occur, we call the market committee leaders to discuss and resolve the issue. But due to excessive rainfall and disrupted local production, price fluctuations are natural. Since our department lacks direct authority for mobile courts or raids, we must rely on executive magistrates, which can delay immediate action."

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