High prices of winter vegetables burden consumers in Patuakhali
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Despite an abundance of winter vegetables in Patuakhali's coastal markets, prices remain high, leaving low-income earners struggling to afford essential goods.
Most vegetables are priced between Tk70 and Tk80 per kilogram, causing significant hardship for ordinary consumers.
During a visit to the vegetable markets, a variety of fresh winter produce, including cauliflower, cabbage, gourds, beans, and brinjals, was seen on display. However, the number of buyers was noticeably low due to the steep prices.
“Vegetables worth Tk300 barely last a day for my family. What are we supposed to eat? Even staples like rice, onions, and potatoes are beyond our reach,” lamented a customer, expressing frustration over the skyrocketing prices.
Al Amin, another buyer, shared his struggles: “I spent Tk500 on vegetables and fish, which will last just one day. My salary runs out by the 15th of the month, and I have to rely on loans to make ends meet.”
Retailers are also feeling the pinch. Abu Taleb, a local vendor, explained: “I buy brinjal at Tk70, bitter gourd at Tk70, cabbage at Tk60, and cauliflower at Tk70 per kilogram. Even if I add Tk10 as a profit margin, customers complain. We’re forced to sell at high prices because our buying costs are steep. If we don't, how will we survive?”
Wholesale trader Manjurul Islam highlighted the supply-demand imbalance: “While winter vegetables are available in the market, they haven’t arrived in large quantities yet. Demand is rising, but the supply remains insufficient, keeping prices high.”
Farmers echoed similar sentiments. Babul Mia, a vegetable grower, said: “Early winter vegetables are fetching good prices, but the full harvest hasn’t come in yet. Once more produce hits the market next week, prices will likely drop.”
Kalapara Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Arafat Hossain added: “The markets currently have early winter vegetables, which are naturally priced higher. By the end of this week, as more produce reaches the market, prices should become more affordable.”
Until then, consumers continue to bear the brunt of high vegetable prices, adding to the financial strain caused by rising costs of other essential items.