Prices of different vegetables and chillies have significantly fallen in the markets of Jhenaidah in the last two days. The price fall came as a relief to consumers, especially the low-income people.
At Garaganj markets, each kilogram of green chilli was sold at Tk80 per kg against Tk180-200 two days ago. Brinjals were sold at Tk22-25 against Tk60, ladyfingers at Tk15-20 against Tk25-30, potol at Tk12-15 against Tk25-30, pumpkins at Tk18-20 against Tk25-30 and basil at Tk10 against Tk20.
Potatoes are selling at Tk15 per kg against Tk20 of two days ago, arum at Tk15-20 against Tk25-30.
Jaminur Rahman, a government employee shopping at Dakbangla bazar, said prices of the vegetables had been increasing every day and had gone beyond the reach of common people like him. But he was pleased with the prices falling in the last two days.
Vegetable trader Anil Biswas at Garaganj market said, the prices of the vegetables were soaring in the market when Ramadan began. Wholesale traders were demanding higher prices by taking advantage of the season. But new yields of vegetables came to the market leading to the price fall, he said.
Jhantu Mia, a vegetable trader of the same market, said the supply of chillies had increased in the market in the last three days causing its price to fall. He thought it was because imported chillies had been brought in.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Joynul Aabedin said, a large number of chilli plants were damaged due to the prolonged drought between May and early June. They were also affected by heavy rainfall in late June. But new chillies were harvested this month which increased the supply in the markets. Farmers have been harvesting good quality brinjals and other vegetables targeting Ramadan because of better prices. It has reduced the prices gradually, deputy director said.
