Uneven wholesale-retail price gap for vegetables sparks concerns in Jashore

A significant difference between wholesale and retail vegetable prices has been observed in Jashore's Chougachha, with some items selling for over 10 times their wholesale prices in retail markets located just metres away.

Beans, priced at Tk3-4 per kg wholesale, are being sold for Tk25-30 per kg in retail, while radishes, available wholesale at Tk1 per kg, are sold retail at Tk15 per kg.

This pricing disparity was evident during a visit to Chougachha Boro Kacha Bazar and nearby retail markets on Friday morning. Traders attributed the gap to added costs for retail sellers, such as rent, labour and profit margins.

 Mukul Hossain, a wholesaler at the Boro Kacha Bazar, outlined the latest wholesale prices: pumpkins were sold at Tk15-20 per kg, aubergines at Tk11-20, cauliflowers at Tk3-4 each, chilli at Tk35-38 per kg, and green onions at Tk2-3 per kg.

Predictably, farmers have expressed their concerns about the plummeting prices. 

Abdus Salam, a farmer from Manmathpur village, said he had sold cauliflowers weighing 2kg each for just Tk3-4. 

"At these rates, it is more economical to plough the fields and plant alternative crops than leave the vegetables to rot in the market," he lamented.

Farmers pointed to the lack of demand for certain vegetables, such as cauliflowers and cabbages, which has driven prices so low that cultivation is no longer viable.

Abdus Salam sold potatoes at Tk26 per kg and onions at Tk35 per kg but noted that these were still below his expectations.

Wholesale traders noted that favourable weather conditions have resulted in a surplus of vegetables across regions like Chattogram, Noakhali and Cumilla, reducing external demand for Chougachha's produce.

As a result, even with a relatively low supply, wholesale prices have decreased sharply compared to last year.

In the retail markets, however, prices remain steep. Pumpkins are sold at Tk30-35 per kg, aubergines at Tk30-35, and chillies at Tk60-80 per kg.

Retailers justified the mark-ups, citing costs related to transport, labour and rent. Despite the wholesale price of beans dropping to Tk3-4 per kg, retail prices in nearby markets ranged from Tk25-30.

The price discrepancies are even more evident when compared to last year. 

Mukul Hossain's records show that beans were sold wholesale at Tk20-22 per kg in mid-January 2024, onions at Tk68-70 and chillies at Tk65-70 per kg.

This year's rates are lower, but retail prices have not reflected such a proportional decline.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Musabbir Hossain attributed the situation to abundant yields nationwide, stating, "Local vegetables are arriving in markets across the country. While supply here is relatively low, reduced demand from traders has led to falling prices. We are monitoring the markets to ensure fair practices."

The stark difference between wholesale and retail prices highlights the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers, as intermediaries continue to dominate pricing dynamics in Chougachha's vegetable markets.