Rajshahi, August 11 (V7N) — The ongoing monsoon in Rajshahi has led to a sharp increase in the prices of vegetables, putting added pressure on daily wage earners, students, and low-income residents. Within just a week, prices of most common vegetables have risen by Tk 10 to 30 per kilogram. The only exception is potato, whose price has dropped slightly by Tk 5 per kg, now selling at Tk 20.
 
Local vendors say the persistent rain is to blame. Many crops have been damaged in the fields, leading to lower supply and subsequent price hikes in city markets such as Saheb Bazar, New Market, and Binodpur.
 
On Monday morning, a market survey revealed the following week-on-week price changes:
 
Green chili: from Tk 120 to 150 per kg, Papaya: from Tk 20 to 35 per kg, Pointed gourd (potol): from Tk 30 to 50 per kg, Okra (dherosh): from Tk 30 to 50 per kg, Eggplant (begun): from Tk 60 to 70 per kg, Bitter gourd (korola): from Tk 50 to 60 per kg, Taro stalks (kochu loti): from Tk 50 to Tk per kg.
 
Seasonal vegetables like radish and cauliflower have also started to appear in the market. Radish is selling at Tk 40 per kg, while cauliflower is priced at Tk 100 per kg.
 
A noticeable change has also been seen in the price of eggs. White eggs are now selling at Tk 40 per dozen (hali), and red eggs at Tk 44 — an increase from Tk 34–38 just three days ago. A vendor commented that prices between Tk 40–42 per hali are manageable, but anything beyond that is burdensome for consumers.
 
Mamun, a student at Rajshahi College, expressed his frustration:
“I came to the market this morning and was quite disappointed. Prices have gone up compared to the last few days. If this continues, it will be very difficult for students like us to afford daily meals.”
 
Vendors attribute the price hike to supply shortages caused by frequent rains. Abdus Sattar, a vegetable seller, said,
“Many vegetables are rotting in the fields due to excessive rain. Supply is low. That’s why prices are going up. But compared to the same time last year, some items are still cheaper. If the rain continues, expect prices to rise further.”
 
In addition to vegetables and eggs, the price of Sonali chicken has also increased — up Tk 20 per kg. Prices of other types of chicken remain mostly unchanged, and the costs of fish, beef, mutton, and rice have also stayed stable for now.
 
This year, the monsoon season has been particularly intense in Rajshahi. Almost every day in the Bengali months of Asharh and now Shraban has seen rainfall, impacting agriculture and rural supply chains. The ongoing rain is not only damaging crops but also straining the lives of ordinary people trying to make ends meet.
 
END/MRA/SMA/