By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, Jan 5, 2025 (BSS) - Following ample supply in local markets, the
price of most varieties of winter vegetables have come down by half in
Rangpur agricultural region where farmers are expecting a bumper harvest this
season.
 
According to farmers and officials of the Department of Agricultural
Extension (DAE), heavy rains and flash floods in last September had reduced
vegetables production, affecting the supply chain and driving up prices
causing sufferings to common people.
 
"Vegetable production in riverine areas was affected by drought a few months
ago followed by heavy rains and flash floods. The supply chain was also
affected resulting in price hike," said Additional Director of the DAE's
Rangpur region Md Obaidur Rahman Mondal.
 
Under such a situation, the interim government immediately took various
effective steps, including distribution of seeds and fertilisers free of cost
as incentives to the farmers to overcome the situation by increasing
vegetable production.
 
At the same time, the government through the DAE had fixed a target of
producing 10,04,872 tonnes of various kinds of winter vegetables from 39,562
hectares of land for all five districts of Rangpur agricultural region during
this Rabi season.
 
"Getting assistance from the government, farmers have already brought 38,525
hectares of land, 97.38 percent against the fixed farming target, under
vegetables cultivation in the region where sowing of seeds will continue till
the next month," he said.
 
Meanwhile, harvest of early varieties of winter vegetables continues with
excellent yield rates and plenty of supply in local markets has reduced
prices by half or even more in the region at this stage of cultivation of the
crop this season.
 
The seed sowing process still continues in the region where farmers and rural
people, including women, are cultivating vegetables on their homesteads,
nearby abandoned and fallow lands.

"Cultivation of vegetables during the winter, summer and Kharif seasons has
become popular both in the mainland and char areas bringing huge profits to
farmers in recent years," said Agriculturist Mondal.
 
Merchants at wholesale markets of Jaigirhat in Mithapukur upazila, Palichara
in Sadar upazila and Rangpur City Market said daily vegetable supply has
increased by four to five times now than before following its excellent
production in the region.
 
"As a result of adequate supply of winter vegetables in local markets now,
prices have come down by half or even more bringing relief to common
consumers," said Md Delwar Hossain, proprietor of Bithi Banijyalaya at
Rangpur city wholesale market.
 
Retailers Hafizur Rahman at Rangpur city market, Shahinur Islam at Palichara
market and Rashedul Islam at Jaigirhat market said prices of winter
vegetables are showing a declining trend in local markets following huge
supply.
 
Consumers are currently buying potato at Taka 35-40 per kilogram (Kg),
brinjal at Taka 15-40 per kg, cucumber at Taka 40 per kg, papaya at Taka 35
per kg, green chilli at Taka 40 per kg, radish at Taka 15 per kg, onion at
Taka 45-50 per kg and garlic at Taka 230-250 per kg in these markets.
 
"Besides, bitter gourd is being sold at Taka 60 per kg, cauliflower at Taka
10 per kg, cabbage at Taka 15 per kg, pumpkin at Taka 30 per kg, coriander at
Taka 20 per kg, gourd at Taka 30 per piece, bean at Taka 25 per kg, arum
roots at Taka 50 per kg, Carrot at Taka 50 per kg and tomato at Taka 40-50
per kg," Hafizur Rahman said.
 
Farmers Moin Uddin, Belal Mian, Rabiul Islam, Wazed Ali and Ashraful Alam of
different villages in Rangpur said they are reaping better profits from
harvesting early varieties of winter vegetables and continuing its
cultivation.