The onset of the winter harvest has resulted in a significant drop in vegetable prices across Dhaka, with an abundant supply of fresh produce flooding the markets.
A visit to Karwan Bazar on Friday (7 February) revealed that the ample availability of seasonal vegetables has eased prices considerably, although off-season varieties continue to command higher rates.
Among the pricier off-season vegetables, okra, pointed gourd, and yard-long beans were observed selling between Tk70 and 80 per kilogramme.
Conversely, seasonal staples are more affordable: large cauliflowers are priced at Tk15-20 each, cabbages at Tk20, long brinjals at Tk35 per kg, round brinjals at Tk60, tomatoes at Tk30, papayas at Tk35, turnips at Tk30, ridge gourds at Tk60, and onion stalks at Tk10 per bunch. Radishes are selling at Tk15 per kg, carrots at Tk20, bitter gourds at Tk60, cucumbers between Tk30-40, hyacinth beans between Tk30-50, hyacinth bean seeds at Tk100, green peas at Tk120, coriander leaves at Tk60-70, green chillies at Tk60, and medium-sized bottle gourds at Tk30 each.
Additionally, ginger and garlic prices have declined slightly, retailing at Tk140 and Tk150 per kg, respectively. Onions are now Tk50 per kg, while new potatoes and red potatoes are priced at Tk30 per kg.
Poultry and Egg Prices Remain Stable
The prices of poultry and eggs have remained stable.
Broiler chicken is priced at Tk190 per kg, while Sonali chicken ranges between Tk280-290 per kg. A dozen red poultry eggs are selling at Tk130, local chicken eggs at Tk210, and duck eggs at Tk240.
Forid Ahmed, a private sector employee shopping at Karwan Bazar, remarked, "The current vegetable prices are a relief, and potato and onion prices have also decreased. However, in Bangladesh, when one thing becomes cheaper, another gets costlier. While vegetables are affordable now, rice prices have risen. I’ve heard that oil prices might increase too, with supply shortages in some areas. The government should be strict with unscrupulous traders."
Vegetable vendor Joynal Haque noted, "Prices are at their lowest now as winter draws to a close. They may rise again soon. Some off-season vegetables are slightly expensive, but shoppers can fill their bags with fresh produce at lower costs these days."
This fluctuation in prices underscores the dynamic nature of Bangladesh's commodity markets, influenced heavily by seasonal shifts and supply chain factors.
