Vegetable prices have dropped sharply within just two days at Hili markets in Dinajpur district, bringing relief to consumers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Traders attribute the decline to abundant harvests in the ongoing Rabi season and higher market supply compared to demand.
During a visit to market on Tuesday, vendors said prices of almost all vegetables have fallen by nearly half. Cucumbers, which were selling at Tk 60 per kg two days ago, are now priced at Tk 30. Eggplants have dropped from Tk 60 to Tk 30 per kg, while carrots are being sold at Tk 20 instead of Tk 40 per kg. Tomatoes are now selling at Tk 30 per kg, down by Tk 10.
Green peas, previously priced at Tk 40 per kg, are now selling for Tk 20.
Cauliflower has fallen from Tk 25 per piece to Tk 15, and cabbage from Tk 15 to Tk 10 per piece.
However, some seasonal and imported items remain expensive. Bitter gourd, a newly arrived seasonal vegetable, is selling at Tk 200 per kg, while drumsticks imported from India are also priced at Tk 200 per kg.
Onions have also become cheaper, dropping by Tk 10 to Tk 30 per kg. Green chilies are now selling at Tk 90 per kg, down from Tk 120. Potatoes have decreased from Tk 14 to Tk 10 per kg, and lemons are selling at Tk 30 per four-piece unit after a Tk 20 price cut.
Azgar Ali, a van driver shopping at the market, said he was pleased with the lower prices. “At the beginning of Ramadan, vegetable prices were very high. Today I’m happy to see them come down,” he said.
Another buyer, Riyad, noted that prices usually surge during Ramadan. “Every year, prices of essential vegetables rise sharply during Ramadan. This time the situation is different. Prices of all vegetables have fallen, so I bought more,” he said.
Trader Biplob Sheikh said prices have been falling over the past two days due to good yields and sufficient supply.
“We purchase vegetables wholesale from Birampur, Panchbibi, and Akkelpur. This season’s production has been very good and local markets are receiving adequate supplies, keeping prices within reach,” he added.
MRM/SH
