winter vegetables
Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise
While the prices of winter vegetables have decreased in Khulna, that of essential items such as rice, lentils, edible oil, chicken, and beef have surged, creating challenges for low- and middle-income consumers.
Prices of all varieties of winter vegetables have dropped by Tk 8-10 per kilogram. However, despite regular monitoring and raids by the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, edible oil, chicken, beef, rice, and eggs remain expensive due to price manipulation by unscrupulous traders.
Rice prices have seen a sharp increase. As of Friday, coarse rice (Swarna) was selling at Tk 54 per kilogram, Atash Balam at Tk 65, fine Miniket at Tk 75, lower-quality Miniket at Tk 65, Basmati at Tk 75-76, and Kalijira at Tk 120. In contrast, one and a half months ago, coarse rice was Tk 45-46, Miniket was Tk 70, and Kalijira ranged from Tk 110-115, reflecting an increase of Tk 5-6 per kilogram.
Chicken prices have also soared. Broiler chicken was selling at Tk 200 per kilogram, layer chicken at Tk 340, cock chicken at Tk 320, Sonali chicken at Tk 320, and local chicken at Tk 470. Within two weeks, these prices have climbed beyond the purchasing power of many consumers, particularly those with limited incomes.
Beef prices remain steep, selling at Tk 700-750 per kilogram in both urban and rural markets. Despite fines imposed during raids by mobile courts, beef prices have not decreased, drawing criticism from consumers.
Read: Prices of meat, chicken, green chilli and vegetables still high despite falling demand
The price of edible oil has surged again. Five-liter bottles of soybean oil were sold at Tk 875, or Tk 175 per liter. Loose soybean oil was priced at Tk 195 per liter, while super oil ranged from Tk 178-179 per liter. A week ago, five-liter bottles of soybean oil were sold at Tk 860, loose soybean oil at Tk 190, and super oil at Tk 180 per liter.
Lentil prices, however, have remained stable. Fine lentils were priced at Tk 140 per kilogram, while coarse lentils sold for Tk 110.
Sugar prices have slightly dropped. White sugar was selling at Tk 125 per kilogram, and packaged brown sugar at Tk 140. Previously, they were priced at Tk 140 and Tk 150, respectively.
Egg prices remain high. Broiler eggs were priced at Tk 46 per dozen for red eggs and Tk 44-48 for white eggs in urban and rural areas.
In contrast, vegetable prices have dropped significantly. New potatoes were priced at Tk 60 per kilogram, old potatoes at Tk 40, local onions at Tk 70, Kalikata onions at Tk 40, Indian onions at Tk 50, local garlic at Tk 240, and Chinese garlic at Tk 220. Cauliflower was sold at Tk 30, cabbage at Tk 20, turnips at Tk 30, winter beans at Tk 20, green chilies at Tk 60-80, eggplants at Tk 40-50, tomatoes at Tk 60, pumpkins at Tk 30, papayas at Tk 30, red spinach and Malabar spinach at Tk 20 per bunch, and bananas at Tk 20 per dozen.
Two weeks ago, prices were notably higher. New potatoes were Tk 100, old potatoes Tk 70, local onions Tk 100, Kalikata onions Tk 60, cauliflower and cabbage at Tk 40, turnips at Tk 40, winter beans at Tk 40, green chilies at Tk 70-75, eggplants at Tk 60, tomatoes at Tk 100, pumpkins at Tk 40, papayas at Tk 30, spinach at Tk 35–40, and bananas at Tk 30 per dozen.
Read more: Prices of egg, chicken and fish up while vegetables stable at higher rate
Ripan Howlader, director of Apan Poultry Farm in Rupsha Traffic Mor, confirmed that chicken prices have risen significantly. Consumers like Hafizur Rahman, a college teacher, expressed concern about the high prices of essentials despite the drop in vegetable prices. He urged more frequent raids by mobile courts to stabilize prices.
Consumers continue to demand stricter enforcement to control prices and ease the burden on low- and middle-income households.
1 month ago
Winter in Bangladesh unlikely to begin before January: Meteorologist
While the northern regions of Bangladesh are experiencing cooler mornings with thick fog, residents of Dhaka and other parts of the country remain largely unaffected by the chill, as winter continues to delay its arrival.
In recent years, the country has typically felt the onset of winter in January, with temperatures dropping significantly between January and February.
Md Bazlur Rashid, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said that while some regions are experiencing a mild chill, a proper winter is unlikely to be felt in December.
"Some people are feeling a bit of cold, but there is no chance of winter being felt in December," he said.
Low pressure area likely to form over Bay Tuesday
He attributed the cooler sensations to changes in wind patterns rather than a true seasonal shift, adding that the country can expect winter to begin in January. “The monsoon season is no longer active.”
Winter’s First Signs in Panchagarh and Nilphamari
In the northern district of Panchagarh, often referred to as the ‘Daughter of the Himalayas’, the arrival of winter seems imminent.
Dense fog has blanketed the area, falling like dew throughout the night and lingering well into the morning, creating a thick, misty atmosphere.
According to the Met Office, the departure of the south-west wind, coupled with the presence of clouds in the sky, has contributed to this fog, signalling the forthcoming winter.
In Nilphamari, the town has been engulfed in fog since the midnight of October 12, with visibility reduced to the extent that flights at Syedpur airport were disrupted on that day.
The fog serves as another early indicator that winter is on its way to the northern regions, even as the rest of the country waits for its arrival.
Winter Vegetables Hit Markets
Despite the delayed winter, markets across the capital are already buzzing with winter vegetables, though prices remain steep.
In markets such as Jinjira, Aganagar in Keraniganj, and the capital’s Karwan Bazar, Newmarket, and Hatirpool Raw Market, vegetable stalls are well-stocked with produce, including aubergine, cucumber, pointed gourd, snake beans, papaya, and bitter gourd.
Winter staples such as beans, carrots, radishes, cauliflower and cabbage have also made an appearance.
Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘unhealthy’
However, vegetable sellers at Karwan Bazar report that recent rains and floods have driven up prices. In some cases, vegetable prices have surged by as much as Tk 20 in just one week, further straining household budgets amid an already challenging economic climate.
Chill to Intensify in January
Though winter remains elusive in much of the country, meteorologists predict that temperatures will drop significantly in the coming months, particularly in the northern and hilly regions, where the average temperature can fall to 12°C.
January is expected to be the coldest month, with average temperatures across Bangladesh dropping to around 10°C. As the colder months approach, residents in these regions are bracing for the seasonal chill.
Bangladesh’s winter, though typically mild, brings a welcome respite from the high humidity and sweltering heat experienced throughout much of the year. For now, as the late arrival of winter looms, the country’s residents wait in anticipation of cooler days ahead.
Read more: 10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children
3 months ago
Top 10 Nutritious Winter Vegetables in Bangladesh
In the winter, our bodies seek rich foods that provide both warmth and nourishment. This need necessitates the consumption of warming foods. Any vegetable that takes a long time to mature and has an edible section that grows beneath the ground's surface is usually warming and a wonderful winter vegetable to eat. When it comes to eating holistically for our health, seasonal foods provide a natural diversity that we should take advantage of. Now that it is winter, let us take a look at 10 of the most nutritious winter vegetables that provide numerous health benefits.
Winter Vegetables in Bangladesh
Carrots
The carrot is a root vegetable that is crunchy, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants are the nutrients that are found in carrots. They are a healthy weight-loss snack that has been linked to decreasing cholesterol and bettering eye health. Their antioxidant carotene has also been associated with a lower incidence of cancer. Carrots might trigger allergy reactions in persons who are allergic to pollen. Carrots cultivated in contaminated soils may also have greater levels of heavy metals, compromising their safety and quality. To reap the benefits of numerous fruits and vegetables, including carrots, it must be consumed in moderation to avoid any negative consequences. Bangladeshis typically enjoy carrots raw, as sautéed or as the popular dessert known as gajor er halwa.
Read Winter Cake Ideas: Yummy Recipes to add your baking bucket list
Cabbage
To enhance the diet, start with cruciferous vegetables like cabbage. These are rich in vitamins, fibers and antioxidants. Consumption of cabbage may reduce the risk of certain diseases like heart diseases, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol level, improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
3 years ago
Ranisankail farmers find fortune in cauliflower cultivation
Cauliflowers and cabbages are the most common winter vegetables, and a large number of farmers in the Birashi, Umradangi, Uttargaon, Mahalbari, Koligaon and Bhandar areas of the upazila have this year switched to their cultivation from other traditional crops much before winter. And the gamble has paid off.
Hundreds of vegetable traders from Rangpur, Bogura, Dhaka and Sylhet are flocking to the upazila everyday to purchase the fresh produce from the farmers, and that too, "at a fair price".
4 years ago
Bumper winter vegetable yield delights Sylhet farmers
The bumper production of winter vegetables brought back smiles on farmers’ faces in the bordering Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet.
5 years ago
Early variety winter vegetables raise hope among Jessore farmers
Jashore, Sept 20 (UNB) –Vegetable growers in the district are passing a very busy time cultivating early variety of winter vegetables eyeing a bumper production and good profit.
5 years ago