Vegetable prices fall in Dhaka markets as early winter supply increases

• Prices of most vegetables decreased by Tk20 at both wholesale and retail levels
• Recent floods in some regions delayed the price reduction
• Price fluctuations impact may impact farmers', traders' livelihoods
• Onion prices increased due to seasonal factors and demand
• Medium-quality rice price increased by Tk2 per kg

The prices of vegetables in Dhaka's kitchen markets have begun to decline, offering relief to consumers as early winter vegetables reach the market. 

During visits to Karwan Bazar, Kallyanpur, and Hatirpool markets today, it was observed that prices have dropped by at least Tk20 per kilogram over the past week.

"The prices of nearly every vegetable have decreased by Tk20 at both wholesale and retail levels. For example, I sold pointed gourds at Tk80 per kg last week, now I am selling them at Tk60," said Md Rubel, a vegetable seller at Kallyanpur market.

He attributed the price drop to increased supply and noted, "If it does not rain in the coming days, vegetable prices will decrease further."

At Kallyanpur market, bitter gourds were priced at Tk80 per kg, snake gourds at Tk60, and okra at Tk60 – all lower than the previous week's rates. 

Prices at the wholesale Karwan Bazar were found to be slightly lower, by Tk5-10 per kg, than in other markets around the city.

On average, most vegetables were being sold at Tk60 per kg at Karwan Bazar, with pointed gourds priced at Tk50.

Papayas were being sold at Tk35-40 per kg, while small cauliflowers cost Tk40 each. Last week, nearly all vegetables were priced above Tk90 per kg.

However, beans, one of the major early winter vegetables, were still priced higher at Tk120 per kg, though the rate dropped from Tk200 last week.

Additionally, the price of green chillies fell by Tk40 per kg, from Tk200 last week to Tk160 today.

Abdul Khalek, a trader, attributed the price drop to an increase in supply. "Vegetable prices are falling as new supplies arrive in the markets," he said.

Broiler chicken prices have also declined slightly, currently selling at Tk190-200 per kg, which is Tk10 lower than last week. The price of eggs has also fallen to Tk155-160 per dozen, compared to over Tk180 two weeks ago.

On the other hand, onion prices have increased slightly over the week.

At Karwan Bazar, the local variety is being sold at Tk136 per kg wholesale, while retail buyers are paying Tk140 per kg.

Onion trader Mohammad Hossain said, "The season of local onions has ended, even though demand remains high, which is causing the price to rise."

Five kgs of imported Indian onions were being sold for Tk500 at the wholesale level, while retail prices ranged between Tk115 and Tk120 per kg.

Onions imported from China and Egypt were selling at Tk80 and Tk84 per kg, respectively, with retailers selling them for at least Tk10-15 higher.

The decline in vegetable prices has brought some relief to consumers.

Mohammad Sohel, a shopper at Karwan Bazar, shared his experience, saying, "Now, I can buy 2 kgs of vegetables for Tk120, which is a bit of relief. Two weeks ago, most vegetables were priced at Tk100 per kg. I bought okra for Tk60 per kg, whereas I paid Tk100 per kg two weeks ago at a market near my house in Mirpur. Pointed gourd and sponge gourd were both Tk50 per kg each, compared to Tk100 two weeks ago."

Imran Master, president of the Bangladesh Wholesale Commodity Owners Association, highlighted the arrival of winter vegetables such as cauliflower, radish, and cabbage, predicting further price decreases.

He also said, "Recent floods in nearly 13 districts and rains across the country damaged many vegetable fields. If that hadn't happened, vegetable prices would have decreased earlier."

At Kallyanpur market, Mohammad Jahangir, a vendor, said, "The price of greens has decreased by Tk5 per bundle within a week. Red amaranth is now Tk25 per bundle, Indian spinach is Tk40 per bundle, and taro leaves are Tk15 per bundle."

However, the price of medium-quality rice has increased by Tk2 per kg.

Ali Hossain, a shopkeeper at Yasin General Store, said, "The overall price of rice has increased by Tk2 per kg. BRRI-28 rice is now selling at Tk61-62 per kg."

He explained that he bought 50 kgs of BRRI-28 rice wholesale for Tk3,000, compared to Tk2,900 just seven days ago.