DUMURIA, KHULNA, Dec 23: Wholesale markets in Dumuria Upazila of the district have witnessed a sharp rise in winter vegetable supply, driving down prices by Tk 15-20 per kilogram over the past week. While the fall in prices has brought relief to consumers, farmers are voicing anger as production costs are no longer being recovered.
Vegetables from Dumuria's 14 unions-including Dumuria, Kharnia, Atharo Mile, and Chuknagar-are arriving in bulk at local wholesale markets. Cucumbers, bitter gourds, and tomatoes are fetching the highest prices at Tk 50-60 per kg, while most other vegetables are selling below Tk 40.
"Prices have dropped because supply is high," said Tariq, a vegetable trader.
Housewife Nasrin Akter, shopping in Dumuria market, welcomed the lower prices but noted: "Daily expenses have eased a little, but onion prices remain high, so full relief hasn't come. If the market stays like this, it will be good for middle-class families."
Other essentials have remained stable in recent weeks. Broiler eggs are selling at Tk 110-120 per dozen, unchanged from last week, while broiler chicken is priced at Tk 150-160 per kg.
This week, prices of pulses and chickpeas also fell. Large-grain lentils dropped from Tk 100 to Tk 90 per kg, while chickpeas fell by Tk 10-15 to Tk 100 per kg. In contrast, loose polao rice rose by Tk 5 to Tk 130 per kg.
Among vegetables, brinjal and carrots are selling at Tk 35-40 per kg, papaya, radish, and beans at Tk 20, new potatoes and cabbage at Tk 15-20, and green chilies at Tk 50 per kg. Broccoli is priced at Tk 40 apiece, while bottle gourds are Tk 20 each.
Farmers say increased production has boosted supply in local markets, but the price drop has left them counting losses. "We can't recover our production costs," one farmer lamented. On the other hand, consumers are enjoying the benefit of abundant supply and lower prices.
For now, Dumuria's markets reflect a familiar paradox: relief for buyers, but hardship for growers.
