[ad_1]
Dhaka: A month ago, potatoes were available on the market at Rs 30, but now the price of those potatoes has doubled. Currently, a kilo of potatoes sells for between 55 and 60 rupees in the capital’s retail markets.
In addition to retail, potato prices have also increased in the wholesale market. However, interested people say there are four reasons behind the potato price increase in a few steps. However, there are differences in the four factors identified by wholesalers and retailers. However, the buyers do not agree with the sellers. Buyers say there is a trade union behind the spike in potato prices.
The picture came to light on Tuesday (October 13) when I spoke with wholesalers and retailers in the capital.
It has been observed that at present the price of Vikrampur potato is sold at 55 Tk per kg and the price of potato in Rangpur and Rajshahi is demanded at 58 to 60 Tk per kg. The price of a kilo of mashed potato (a type of small potato) is demanded between 75 and 80 rupees. In the Karwanbazar wholesale market (yard) per kg Bikrampur potato (wholesale) is sold at 43 Tk and Rangpur and Rajshahi potatoes are sold at 44 to 48 Tk per kg.
As for the rise in potato prices, wholesalers say that the use of potatoes to distribute relief from the coronavirus scare has increased significantly, which is why potato stocks are running out. In addition, potato production has been reduced, planting of new potatoes has been reduced in the floods, and floods have caused severe damage to crops. In addition, with the rise in daily commodity prices, the price of potatoes also rises in parallel.
Retailers say it costs money in four steps to bring potatoes from the wholesale market to their own business. These include the costs of meti (regional language, porter), table rental (where potatoes are stacked at the market after purchase), and subscription, transportation rental, and store rental. They also said that it costs around five rupees per kg for these four reasons.
Tareq, a buyer in Karwan Bazar, told banglanews that when there is a crisis in one country, competition begins to increase the price of another. The unscrupulous traders union has also worked behind the increase in potato prices. Potatoes have fallen into the hands of trader unions due to the lack of regular market monitoring.
Monir of Jackfruit Garden Market said one of the reasons for the increase in potato prices in the wholesale market. Apart from this, there are meti cost, pension and subscription fee, transportation fee and shop rental. However, the trader is hopeful that if the price of potatoes falls in the wholesale market, the retail price will also fall.
Alamgir Hossain, a stockist (wholesaler of potatoes) in Karwan Bazar and owner of Shapla Traders, told banglanews that there are several reasons behind the sudden rise in potato prices this year. One of the reasons for this is that potatoes have been used extensively to distribute relief during the horrible times in Corona. As a result, the supply of potatoes in the local market, including the potato warehouse, decreases and the price rises. There are several other reasons behind the increase in potato prices. These include low production of potatoes on the land, damage to new potato fields due to ongoing floods, and rising prices of other vegetables. But now there is not much potato locally, the price is rising as the supply of potatoes is reduced. If new potatoes come to market, the price will drop.
Bangladesh time: 1550 hours, October 13, 2020
EAR / AAT
[ad_2]
