Farmers in Bangladesh are in trouble as cauliflower prices in rural areas have dropped to only Tk5 per kilogram, while the production cost is Tk15 per kilogram. In Dhaka’s markets, the same cauliflower is being sold for Tk25 per piece, showing a big difference between farm and market prices.
Farmers like Bashir Ahmed from Manikganj said, “I expanded my cultivation this year, but I lost Tk30,000 on just one bigha of land.” A farmer from Savar also shared his loss, saying, “I sent three truckloads to Dhaka but lost Tk20,000.” In Bogura and Sirajganj, farmers are selling small cauliflowers for Tk3-4 per kilogram. Some are even feeding the unsold vegetables to cattle.
Last year, farmers made good profits from cauliflower. This year, many grew more, but there is now too much cauliflower, and prices have fallen. Farmers are losing around Tk20,000 per bigha instead of earning a profit.
Officials are trying to help. Md Morshed Al-Mahmud, an agricultural officer, said, “We are helping farmers find better markets and teaching them when to sell.” Abdullah All Mamun, another agriculture officer, said prices might rise to Tk60-70 per kilogram in February.
Experts say the market needs to be better managed. Farhana Nargis, a researcher, said, “Farmers are not getting fair prices because there are too many middlemen. We need to help farmers sell directly to buyers.”
Farmers are asking for quick action so they don’t face more losses. Many fear they won’t grow cauliflower again if this problem continues.
Source: The Business Standard
