Even During Peak Season, Onion Prices Skyrocket
Despite it being the high-demand period, the onions are increasing in cost on the market. The per kilogram cost has expanded by 20-25 BDT over the past week. Dhaka retail outlets are selling the onions at 60-65 BDT per kilogram.
Market analysts state that farmers have harvested onions from the prime season last month. Wholesalers/dealers, once they have obtained onions from farmers, have been increasing the prices.
Growers said that they used to sell onions at 22-25 BDT per kg at the start of the season, while government estimates place the cost of production at 38-41 BDT per kg. The rates have started increasing over the last week. Farmers in Pabna sold onions at 40-45 BDT per kg yesterday.
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Consumers Association of Bangladesh Vice President SM Nazer Hossain told TBS that the farmers have no onions left to sell. Commission agents have bought them up. They raise the price once the farmers’ stocks are over. Small farmers who have to settle loans or advances have to sell at cut-down rates. Middlemen take advantage.
They store onions if they have facilities, but due to economic hardship, they sell even at losses. That is why we have always said that we have to offer some incentive to margin farmers. Otherwise, they won’t be able to survive.
Rahman Pramanik, who is an onion grower from Baitola village under Karamja Union, Santhia Upazila, said to TBS, “The prices have gone up over the last week. The previous sellers made losses. The onions have been sold at as high as 2,250 BDT per maund the other day. Farmers are getting some profits at this rate, but there is hardly any inventory left.”
Onion prices remained comparatively low at the start of this season because there has been an over-production of onions. Domestic onions came down to as low as 30 BDT per kg. Even after they rose, onions were selling at 40-45 BDT after Eid.
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Saiful Islam, who is a Shahzadpur wholesaler, said the onions are wholesaled at 54-58 BDT per kg right now, and the rates have been increasing continuously since last week.
Chicken rates drop
Though the cost of chickens has increased last week up to Eid, this time it has dropped. Broiler chicken costing 210-230 BDT per kg, as well as Sonali chicken costing 300-330 BDT, have fallen in cost.
Broiler chicken rates came down to 180-190 BDT per kg on Friday, while Sonali chicken cost 270-280 BDT. The cost of beef was at 750-780 BDT per kg. A dozen farm eggs are available at 120-130 BDT.
Vegetable rates remain high
Various vegetables belonging to the summer crops have been arriving at the market, but at higher prices.
Per kg: pointed gourd (potol) at 60-70 BDT, okra at 80 BDT, yardlong beans at 60-80 BDT, raw papaya at 50-60 BDT, and bottle gourd In addition, teasel gourd (kankrol) is 140 BDT, egg plant 80-100 BDT, flat beans 70 BDT, sweet pumpkin 30 BDT, radish 60 BDT, cucumber 80 BDT, bitter gourd 60 BDT, and tomatoes cost 40 BDT per kg.
