By Md Mamun Islam

RANGPUR, Oct 20, 2024 (BSS) - Repeated natural calamities, especially recent heavy rains and flash floods, have drastically reduced vegetables production, affecting supply chain and driving up prices causing sufferings to common people in the district.

The Rangpur agricultural region has suffered a setback in vegetable production due to prolonged drought a few months ago, recent heavy rains and short-term flood at low-lying char areas, according to farmers, traders, officials and experts.

Talking to BSS, farmers Belal Mian and Rabiul Islam of village Palichara Sarderpara in Rangpur Sadar upazila said they generally cultivates coriander, bitter gourd, radish, brinjal, chilli, potato, and Kakrol (spiny gourd) in their farmlands.

“Recent rains had totally damaged growing plants of brinjal, chilli and coriander and partially affected radish. Earlier, drought damaged growing plants of bitter gourd, Kakrol (spiny gourd) and brinjal,” he said.

Farmers Wazed Ali and Ashraful Alam of village Ranipukur Purbopara in Mithapukur upazila said recent rains have damaged chilli, bitter gourd and brinjal and affected Dudhkushi, Jhinga, Kakrol, Borboti, Potol, chili, off-season cabbage and cauliflower and leafy vegetables reducing production.

Local ‘Fariahs” (agent of middleman) Abu Bakar, Shahidul Islam and Solaiman Ali said they purchase vegetables from farmers and sell to merchants at wholesale markets with 15 to 20 percent profits.  

Merchants at wholesale markets of Jaigirhat in Mithapukur upazila, Palichara in Sadar upazila and Rangpur city market said daily vegetables supply has reduced by two to three times following less production due to recent heavy rains and flash floods.

“As a result, inadequate supply of vegetables against increased demand has driven up prices,” Md Delwar Hossain, proprietor of Bithi Banijyalaya at Rangpur city wholesale market told BSS.

Earlier, he used to sell five to seven tonnes of locally produced vegetables brought to his wholesale shop by farmers and “Fariahs” to retailers daily for a commission of Taka one to Taka two per kg. "
“At present, the daily supply of vegetables to my wholesale shop has dropped to just two to three tonnes due to less production at the field level compared to previous years," Delwar said.

Retailers at different markets said they purchase vegetables from merchants at wholesale markets and sell to consumers with 10 to 15 percent profits.

Comparing the vegetable price between farmers level and wholesale markets by “Fariahs”, it was found that they (Fariahs) are earning 15 to 25 percent profits depending on varieties of vegetables.

Retailers Hafizur Rahman at Rangpur city market, Belal Mian and Shahinur Islam at Palichara market and Rashedul Islam at Jaigirhat market said prices of few vegetables are showing a declining trend from the last two days following strict market monitoring by the local administrations.

Consumers are buying potato at Taka 55-70 per kg, Jhinga and Chichinga at Taka 70-75 per kg, Potol at Taka 70 per kg, brinjal at Taka 80-140 per kg, cucumber at Taka 60-100 per kg, green papaya at Taka 40 per kg, green chilli at Taka 300 per kg, radish at Taka 50 per kg, onion at Taka 95-115 per kg and garlic at Taka 240-260 per kg in these markets.

“Besides, bitter gourd is being sold at Taka 80-100 per kg, cauliflower at Taka 100 per kg, cabbage at Taka 70 per kg, pumpkin at Taka 75 per kg, coriander at Taka 250 per kg, gourd at Taka 80 per piece, bean at Taka 250 per kg, Borboti at Taka 100 per kg, arum roots at Taka 60 per kg and drumstick at Taka 240 per kg,” Rahman said.

Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension for Rangpur region Md Obaidur Rahman Mondal said vegetables production was affected by drought few months ago and by recent heavy rains and flash flood in the char areas.

“As a result, supply of vegetables largely reduced at this lean period affecting the supply chain resulting to price hike in recent weeks,” he said.

Assistant Director of Department of Agricultural Marketing Md Mostafizur Rahman said recent floods and rains damaged growing vegetables affecting production and leading to inadequate supply causing spiky rise in prices.

“Prices of eggs and vegetables have started coming down following strict market monitoring and drives being conducted by the local administration with Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection,” said Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Foysal.