The markets in the coastal district of Patuakhali are overflowing with fresh winter vegetables, yet local consumers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, are struggling to purchase even basic produce due to soaring prices. Despite an abundant supply of vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and eggplants, prices have remained stubbornly high, making it increasingly difficult for the working-class population to afford these essential goods.
Winter vegetables have long been a staple in the diet of many in Patuakhali, particularly during the colder months when a variety of seasonal produce hits the markets. Retail and wholesale markets in the area have seen an influx of fresh vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, bottled gourd, beans, eggplants, and more. The bright colors of these vegetables make the markets appear bountiful, and yet, the reality for many consumers is far less hopeful as prices continue to climb.
According to local buyers, the cost of vegetables has not come down, despite the winter season officially arriving and a notable increase in the availability of produce. Most vegetables are priced at 70 to 80 Taka or more per kilogram, putting them out of reach for many low-income families. A significant portion of the population in the area relies on daily wages, and for these individuals, the rise in prices is proving to be a major obstacle to their daily survival.
One shopper, a salaried worker, expressed frustration with the market situation. “I spend 300 Taka on vegetables every day, and it’s gone by the evening. How are we supposed to survive with these prices? The cost of basic items like rice, onions, and potatoes is also skyrocketing,” the buyer said. “If the government or market authorities don’t do something to bring down the prices, the hardships of ordinary people will only increase.”
Another shopper, Al Amin, echoed similar concerns. “I spent 500 Taka today on vegetables and fish. That’s all I can afford for the day. My salary is gone halfway through the month, and after that, we’re forced to rely on loans or credit from local shops to get by,” he explained. For many residents of Patuakhali, this financial struggle is a recurring problem, with little relief in sight as prices remain high.
The situation is not any easier for local retailers, who also face rising costs from suppliers. Abu Taleb, a retail vegetable seller, noted that the cost of acquiring vegetables has gone up, forcing him to increase his selling prices. “Today, I bought eggplants for 70 Taka per kilogram, bitter gourd for 70 Taka, cabbage for 60 Taka, cauliflower for 70 Taka, bottle gourd for 30 Taka, sweet pumpkin for 35 Taka, green chilies for 80 Taka, beans for 90 Taka, okra for 50 Taka, and raw bananas for 40 Taka per bunch,” Taleb said. “If I sell these vegetables at prices too high, customers get upset and complain. But if I don’t mark up the prices by even 5 to 10 Taka per item, how will I manage to make a living?”
This situation is made worse by the fact that these vegetables are not yet fully in season. Monjurul Islam, a wholesale trader, explained that although the markets are filled with winter vegetables, the supply has not caught up with the demand. “Traders come from various regions to purchase vegetables, but despite the increased demand, the supply remains limited. This mismatch between supply and demand has led to a rise in prices,” Islam noted.
Babul Mia, a local vegetable grower, shared a similar view. He pointed out that while early-season vegetables have arrived and fetched good prices, the full supply of winter vegetables is still a few days away. “We get better prices for early winter vegetables, but once all the vegetables come into the market in the next week or so, prices will likely decrease,” he predicted. However, for now, the high prices continue to make life difficult for local consumers, particularly those who are already struggling with daily expenses.
In addition to this, Arafat Hossain, the Agricultural Extension Officer for Kalapara Upazila, also spoke about the dynamics of the local vegetable market. He explained that while some early varieties of winter vegetables are abundant in the markets, the full range of winter vegetables is yet to arrive. “Right now, we are seeing an abundance of early-season winter vegetables, which is contributing to higher prices,” he said. “But by the end of this week, more vegetables should come into the market, and with that, prices should start to drop to more affordable levels.”
Despite the optimism expressed by local experts, the current market conditions are leaving many in Patuakhali struggling to make ends meet. The surge in vegetable prices has placed additional strain on low-income families, many of whom already live paycheck to paycheck. The financial burden has left people with little choice but to reduce their consumption of vegetables or turn to less nutritious alternatives.
The local community has voiced its concerns over the lack of governmental action to address the issue. Some consumers are calling for price controls or subsidies to help make vegetables more affordable, especially for those who rely on them for basic nutrition. However, there has been little response from market authorities so far, leaving many people feeling helpless and frustrated.
In conclusion, while the Patuakhali markets may be flooded with winter vegetables, the high prices are a serious cause of concern for many local residents. The abundance of fresh produce has not translated into affordable food for the average consumer, and with prices still soaring, the financial strain on low-income families continues to worsen. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether prices will stabilize or continue to rise, but for now, many local buyers and retailers are hoping for relief.