In the districts of Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Magura in Bangladesh, the unexpected decrease in winter vegetable prices has left farmers disheartened. The abundant harvest, coupled with insufficient storage facilities, has led to a surplus of vegetables on the market, driving prices down. This situation is exacerbated by the actions of middlemen, who form syndicates to manipulate vegetable prices to their advantage.
Reports from Rangpur indicate that the cost to farmers for various vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, radish, beans, and gourd, has plummeted to well below sustainable levels. This has forced growers to sell their produce at minimal prices directly from their fields, unable to cover even the basic costs of transportation and labor. Consequently, some traders are capitalizing on this by purchasing vegetables at low prices and selling them at a profit in urban centers like Dhaka.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rangpur had aimed for a significant area of winter vegetable cultivation, but the price drop has left farmers like Ansar Ali and Saju Mia, who invested heavily in cauliflower and cabbage respectively, worried about recovering their costs. The lack of cold storage facilities in the region is a critical issue, leading to the immediate sale of produce at reduced prices to prevent spoilage.
In Lalmonirhat, the situation is similar with an oversupply of winter vegetables leading to frustration among growers. While those who cultivated early-variety vegetables reaped profits, others are now facing losses, with some even destroying their crops in despair. The district, known for supplying vegetables to Dhaka, has seen a decline in demand, particularly for cauliflower.
Magura farmers are also experiencing financial strain due to the drastic fall in vegetable prices, with reports of cauliflower and cabbage selling at a fraction of their cost just weeks prior. The role of middlemen in depressing prices has been highlighted as a significant factor behind the losses faced by growers.
The DAE has acknowledged the production surplus and price drop, suggesting that the establishment of specialized cold storage facilities could help stabilize prices and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
Source: Financial Express