Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque has addressed the issue of soaring onion and potato prices, acknowledging the government's shortcomings despite its efforts.
Speaking to reporters after a Food Planning and Monitoring Committee meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday, Razzaque, also a presidium member of the ruling Awami League, admitted that controlling the prices of onions and potatoes had proven to be a challenging task.
"We could not control the price of onions and potatoes. We will accept the criticism–this is our weak point. But please also highlight our strong points in the media," urged the minister.
When questioned about whether the government had given up on its efforts to stabilize the prices of these staples, Razzaque replied in the negative. “We are actively working on it. While the agricultural ministry oversees production, the commerce ministry is responsible for monitoring the market. Nonetheless, we cannot evade responsibility as all ministers have shared responsibility in a cabinet system.”
Razzaque went on to explain the difficulties in managing onion prices, despite sufficient production. He pointed out that onions were highly perishable, lasting no more than two months, which posed a challenge in maintaining a stable supply.
The minister also placed the blame on cold storage owners and wholesalers, contending that they were failing to fulfil their supply obligations, a major obstacle to price stability in these essential commodities. “They stop supplying products when our officials put pressure on them at the field level; they shut down [their cold storage.”
He said the prices of all vegetables would come down with winter approaching.
“Winter is coming, and there will be enough vegetables. The prices of all vegetables will come down. Oil prices are high in the international market, and other costs have also increased. The country is experiencing inflation. Considering these factors, the prices of vegetables and many other products are high,” the minister said.