Winter arrives heralded by the abundance of diverse vegetables. While prices were initially steep at the start of the season, they have gradually decreased to more accessible levels.
This decline, accompanied by a drop in poultry prices, has offered some respite to consumers as their expenses lighten.
On Friday (3 January), a visit to prominent kitchen markets in Dhaka provided insights into this trend through conversations with traders and shoppers.
Market observations indicate a reduction of Tk10-20 per kilogramme in the price of most poultry compared to the previous week. Broiler chicken, previously priced at Tk210-220 per kilogramme, is now selling at Tk190-200.
Similarly, Sonali chicken is available for Tk290-300 per kilogramme, layer chicken for Tk340-350, and local varieties for Tk550 per kilogramme.
Afzal Hossain, a poultry trader, noted the downward trend in prices across the board.
"Last week, we sold broiler chicken for Tk210-220. This week, prices have dropped below Tk200. The prices of Sonali and layer chicken have also seen a slight decline," he told Bangladesh First.
A tour of the vegetable section revealed that per kilogramme prices now stand at Tk60 for tomatoes, Tk20 for radishes, Tk60 for carrots, Tk50 for pointed gourds, Tk50 for papayas, Tk25-30 for cauliflowers, Tk30 for cabbages, Tk15 per bunch for spring onions, Tk50-60 for hyacinth beans depending on the variety, and Tk60 per medium-sized piece for green pumpkins. Green chillies are selling for Tk60 per kilogramme, while bottle gourds range from Tk50-60 per piece, depending on size. Black aubergines are priced at Tk60 per kilogramme, while long and white varieties are priced at Tk50 and Tk60, respectively. Turnips are being sold for Tk30, and cucumbers for Tk50 per kilogramme.
Meanwhile, new potatoes and local onions are priced at Tk50 per kilogramme, Indian garlic at Tk200, and local ginger at Tk120.
However, the egg market remains unstable. White eggs are being sold at Tk130 per dozen, red eggs at Tk130-135, and duck eggs at Tk220 per dozen.
Abdul Helal, a private sector employee shopping at the market, expressed his perspective.
"Prices have dropped significantly, which brings relief to consumers. But I’ve seen reports of farmers destroying their crops due to low earnings, even as consumers pay higher rates. The government must ensure that farmers receive fair prices while keeping costs reasonable for consumers."
