Staff Correspondent
Dhaka’s markets are witnessing an unprecedented surge in vegetable prices, with most items now selling above Tk 80 per kg. A market survey in Mohammadpur, Agargaon, and Karwan Bazar revealed eggplants being sold at Tk 100-200 per kg – a sharp increase from Tk 60-140 just three weeks ago. Imported tomatoes cost Tk 160-180/kg, while bitter gourds and yardlong beans sell for Tk 100-120/kg. The price hike has particularly hit low-income households hard, forcing many to reduce their vegetable consumption.
Md. Obaidur Rahman Mandal, Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension’s Field Services Wing, explained, “The current rainy season has reduced vegetable production nationwide.” He added that prices should stabilize when the new cultivation season begins in October. Vendors reported prices are Tk 20-30/kg higher than last year, with leafy greens also becoming costlier – bottle gourd leaves now sell at Tk 40-50 per bunch and Malabar spinach at Tk 30-40. Only a few items like pumpkin, papaya, and green bananas remain below Tk 50/kg.
The price surge has forced many families to alter their diets. “We’ve replaced fish and meat with vegetables twice a week just to manage expenses,” shared a frustrated shopper at Karwan Bazar. Nutritionists warn the situation could lead to widespread micronutrient deficiencies, as affordable vegetables disappear from reach. The crisis highlights systemic issues in Bangladesh’s agricultural supply chains and seasonal production patterns.
Agricultural economists suggest adopting urban farming and hydroponic techniques to mitigate seasonal shortages. They emphasize the need for better post-harvest storage facilities at the farmer level to maintain steady supply. “Expanding off-season cultivation and improving preservation methods could prevent such price shocks,” noted a food security specialist from BRAC University. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to stabilize Bangladesh’s volatile vegetable market and protect food security for low-income populations.