Rajshahi, Oct 5 (V7N) — Prices of almost all vegetables have surged sharply in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi, leaving low- and middle-income families reeling under pressure. The steepest rise has been recorded in the price of green chilies, which have nearly tripled within a week, severely affecting daily living costs.

Local traders and consumers blamed the recent spell of continuous rainfall for disrupting vegetable supply chains. However, consumers alleged that the local administration has failed to monitor market activities, allowing traders to raise prices unchecked.

Farmers from the region said Bagha, once known mainly for its fertile vegetable fields, has in recent years become one of the key green chili-producing areas in the Rajshahi division. The crop is popular among local farmers because it requires low investment but yields high profits. Yet, due to persistent rainfall over the past week, vegetable fields remain waterlogged, causing a sharp decline in supply and a corresponding price hike.

Just a week ago, green chilies were selling at Tk 160–170 per kilogram, but now prices have soared to Tk 320 per kg. Other essential vegetables have also seen major spikes. According to local retailers, eggplants now cost Tk 90 per kg, beans Tk 200, bitter gourd Tk 110, pointed gourd Tk 60, onions Tk 60, papaya Tk 40, carrots Tk 160, tomatoes Tk 170, cucumbers Tk 40, taro stems Tk 35, snake gourd Tk 70, sponge gourd Tk 80, bottle gourd Tk 50 each, ash gourd Tk 40, drumsticks Tk 200, and green chilies Tk 320 per kg.

Manik Mia, a wholesale vegetable trader in Bagha, said both farmers and consumers are suffering. “Continuous rain has flooded farmlands, making it difficult for farmers to harvest. As a result, supply to the markets has dropped drastically, pushing prices up threefold in just a few days,” he explained.

Retailer Hafizur Rahman from Tentulia Bazaar echoed this, saying, “Waterlogging has prevented farmers from collecting chilies. That’s why wholesale prices have increased sharply. We’re forced to sell at higher rates to cover costs.”

Local residents said that although monsoon rains are normal this time of year, such extreme price hikes were not seen in previous years. They urged the administration to tighten market supervision to stabilize prices.

Responding to public concerns, Bagha Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Sabihah Sultana Dolly said, “Due to weather conditions, prices of green chilies and other vegetables have temporarily increased. We will conduct regular market monitoring from now on, and anyone found charging excessive prices will face strict legal action.”

The ongoing price volatility has put immense pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs. Residents hope that better weather and firm market regulation will soon bring some relief to their daily expenses.

END/MRA/SMA/