Pabna market is running on imported potatoes. As a result, buyers have to pay an additional price. The price of new potatoes increased by Tk 10-20 per kg and is being sold at Tk 100-110. But even on Thursday, its price was 80-85 taka.
Meanwhile, while Pabna is rich in vegetable production, prices of winter vegetables are also on the rise. Consumers are fed up with the high prices of everyday products including vegetables. However, the price of onion started to decrease slightly due to the increase in onion prices. In two weeks, the price of onion decreased by Tk 10-20.
A variety of winter vegetables including radish, cabbage, cowpea and beans can be seen in various markets including the Pabna Grand Bazaar and the Library Bazaar. But the price is high.
Among them, radish is being sold at Tk 40, cauliflower at Tk 70-80, cabbage at Tk 50, brinjal at Tk 60, black eggplant at Tk 40 and beans at Tk 90-100. Apart from this, pot is being sold at 60, sweet pumpkin 45-50, papaya 45, hybrid cucumber 50, desi cucumber 70, gourd 60, green pepper 90 taka per kg. And gourd is being sold at 30-40 taka per piece.
Besides, domestic onion is selling at Tk 110 per kg, while imported onion is selling at Tk 80-90.
The vendors say that the supply of vegetables in Pobna is low as the vegetable fields have been damaged due to flooding due to heavy rains and the crops are less. So is the extra price.
A buyer named Naima Jannat, who came to the market, said that many vegetables are grown in Pabna. Now there is an ample supply of winter vegetables on the market. But the price is not reduced. Fire is where you put your hand. If the vegetables produced by themselves have to be consumed at high prices, where else is there to control the market?
Another buyer Ashish said that the price of potatoes is not decreasing. Potatoes are needed in all cases, leaving onions, traders have started playing with potatoes.
Hasan Rahman came to the library market. After seeing his negotiation with the shopkeeper, he said, yesterday I bought potatoes for 85 taka, and today he is saying 100 taka. Within a day, the price increased by 15 rupees. I work in the private sector, accounting family. But I can’t calculate the monthly cost under the deal.
Another customer Rashid said, at the end of the day our destiny does not change. When the new government came, everyone thought that the market would at least be regulated. But I don’t see that. The market is the same. There is no vegetable under that 100 rup. Only one or two vegetables like radish, sweet pumpkin and gourd are under 100 rupees.
Mohidul Islam, a vendor of Barabazar, said that the entire Pabna market is full of imported potatoes. A sack or two of native potatoes arrive, the market does not run away with them. Imports do not enter Pabna on government holidays, resulting in higher prices for imported potatoes on Fridays and Saturdays. However, you have to spend extra time talking to the buyers.
Regarding winter vegetables, the vendor said that the price of vegetables is generally lower in Pabna than in other areas. But this time there are slightly more sales. Farmers’ fields were destroyed due to several rounds of rain. Again, due to waterlogging in some places, planting was delayed, some places could not be planted at all. This has resulted in a shortage of supply in the market. That’s why the price is a little higher. But thinking from the farmer’s side, the price is right.
Another vendor, Sharif, said the market is the same for this week. Some of them are decreasing in price by 5-10 taka, while some are increasing. For example, compared to the last two days, the price of cauliflower has decreased by Tk 15-20, while it has increased in other days. Overall the market is the same.
ZH/JIM
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What factors have contributed to the rising prices of vegetables in Pabna’s market?
Interview: Pabna’s Vegetable Market Crisis
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the current situation in the Pabna market, especially concerning the rising prices of potatoes and winter vegetables. To help us understand this better, we have Dr. Layla Sadr, an agricultural economist with extensive experience in market analysis. Welcome, Dr. Sadr.
Dr. Layla Sadr: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter. We’ve heard that the price of new potatoes in Pabna has increased to Tk 100-110 per kg from Tk 80-85 within just a few days. Why do you think there’s such a significant increase, especially when Pabna is known for its agricultural output?
Dr. Sadr: That’s a great question. Pabna does have a robust agricultural sector, but the recent flooding has severely impacted local vegetable fields, leading to a decrease in crop yield. This lower supply, compounded by the reliance on imported potatoes, creates a scenario where prices naturally rise as demand continues.
Editor: So, is this a case of supply chain disruption causing inflation in prices?
Dr. Sadr: Exactly. When local production is compromised, reliance on imports usually drives up costs. The fact that local farmers are facing challenges means the market is not able to stabilize prices, which leads to frustrations among consumers and vendors alike.
Editor: Speaking of frustrations, we’ve seen comments from buyers like Naima Jannat expressing discontent over the high prices despite the local production capability. How do you think consumers can cope with these prices?
Dr. Sadr: It’s definitely tough for consumers right now. They’re feeling the pinch, especially as staple goods become increasingly expensive. One way to cope is to consider alternative options—like purchasing seasonal vegetables that might be more affordable or looking for local markets where prices could be lower. Additionally, community initiatives like cooperatives can help stabilize prices by eliminating middlemen.
Editor: That’s a good point. However, with winter vegetables like radish and cabbage also priced high—radish at Tk 40 and cabbage up to Tk 80—it seems consumers are left with very few budget-friendly options. How sustainable is this situation for farmers?
Dr. Sadr: The high prices can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it might seem beneficial for farmers in the short term as they can earn higher returns on their crop. On the other hand, persistent high prices can deter consumers from purchasing at all, possibly leading to reduced sales volume. Sustainable agricultural practices and crop diversification are essential to ensure long-term viability for farmers and affordability for consumers.
Editor: We’ve also heard from a vendor, Mohidul Islam, who stated that the market remains full of demand despite the rising costs. Does that indicate an inelastic demand in the market for certain vegetables?
Dr. Sadr: Indeed, some commodities, like potatoes, fall into the inelastic category—meaning that consumers will continue to buy them regardless of the price increases because they are essential staples. However, this can lead to a cyclic pattern of high demand, which can exacerbate price increases if supply remains constrained.
Editor: You mentioned the role of government earlier, and many citizens feel disheartened with current market control efforts. What measures can the government take to help stabilize these prices?
Dr. Sadr: Government intervention can be crucial in such scenarios. Price controls on essential goods, subsidies for local farmers, and financial assistance programs can buffer the most vulnerable consumers. Moreover, improving infrastructure for storage and transportation could significantly reduce waste from floods and enhance the resilience of local farms to climate impacts.
Editor: As we wrap up, what advice would you give to consumers who wish to advocate for fair pricing in their local markets?
Dr. Sadr: Consumers have a powerful voice. They can educate themselves on the costs of production and support fair trade initiatives. Joining or forming consumer networks can help amplify their concerns to local authorities. Additionally, choosing to buy from local producers when possible helps support the community and can lead to better pricing dynamics.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Sadr. It seems clear that while the situation is challenging, community resilience, government action, and consumer awareness could help navigate these trying times.
Dr. Sadr: Thank you for having me. It’s important we continue these discussions to drive change and support our farmers and consumers alike.
Editor: That concludes our interview today. Thank you to our audience for joining us, and we hope this conversation sheds light on the pressing issues in Pabna’s market today.