After months of relief during the winter season, vegetable prices have surged again in Dhaka’s kitchen markets, with most items now selling above BDT 70 per kilogram.
A recent visit to Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Karwan Bazar, and Nakhallpara Samiti Bazar revealed that the prices of common vegetables have sharply increased as the supply of winter produce ends and summer varieties begin to enter the market.
Vegetables such as pointed gourd, okra, turnip, ridge gourd, and snake gourd are now priced between Tk 60 and Tk 70 per kilogram. Bitter gourd and eggplant are being sold at Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg, while yardlong beans and teasel gourd have climbed to Tk 100–120. Drumsticks, known for their relatively higher prices, are currently fetching Tk 120 to Tk 130 per kg.
Prices of cucumber have also increased, now selling at Tk 70 to Tk 80 per kg, while green chilies are being sold for Tk 70 to Tk 100 per kg depending on quality. However, carrots and tomatoes are relatively cheaper, priced between Tk 30 and Tk 40. Potatoes remain the most affordable option, costing Tk 20 to Tk 22 per kg.
Vendors say the end of the winter harvest and the arrival of summer vegetables—typically costlier to produce—are driving the price hike. They also point to the financial losses suffered by farmers during the winter due to unusually low market rates. In some cases, the prices dropped so low that farmers chose not to harvest their crops or even discarded them on roadsides.
“Winter vegetables are almost gone. The new crops arriving now always come with higher prices,” said Dulal Ahmed, a vegetable seller at Karwan Bazar. “This season, many farmers couldn’t recover their costs. Some even threw away vegetables when prices fell. They’re now trying to make up for their losses.”
Imran Master, President of the Bangladesh Raw Materials Wholesalers Association, confirmed that production costs for current vegetables are comparatively higher. “Farmers faced significant losses due to the price fall. Now, the incoming summer vegetables require more investment, which is reflected in the market prices,” he said.
Although prices are high, traders note that the current rates are slightly lower than the same period last year, when most vegetables sold for over Tk 80 per kilogram.
LND/BG
