Special Correspondent: Although the government has fixed the price of potatoes in two phases, none of the cold storage, wholesale and retail traders are showing the slightest respect to the government's directives. At first the retail price was fixed at Tk. 30 per kg and later at Tk. 35 per kg. However, consumers have not been able to buy even one kg of potatoes below Tk. 45 and Tk. 50 so far.

Along with the rise in potatoes, all other types of vegetables are also being sold at higher prices in the market. However, the price of carrots has come down a bit during the week. On the contrary, the price of barbati has gone up. All in all, most vegetables are still beyond the reach of low-income people. No vegetable is available in the market except papaya for less than Tk. 50.

On Friday (October 30), various retailers in the capital were seen selling low quality potatoes at Tk. 45 per kg. In some places, some traders have been seen selling potatoes at Tk. 50 per kg. But the government has fixed Tk. 35 per kg of potato in retail. Zahid Mia, who sells potatoes at Tk 50 per kg in Mohakhali market, said, "What will happen if the government fixes the price?" We can't buy potatoes from the wholesale market at low prices. How can I buy potatoes at a higher price and sell them at a lower price?

He said he bought two sacks of potatoes from Shyambazar. The price per kg has fallen to Tk.41. I have sold the selected potatoes for Tk. 50. I have sold a little low quality potato at Tk.45. per kg. I had to throw away some potatoes while picking. Adding the cost of car rental, shop rent, porter, there is no profit in potatoes.

Visiting Karwan Bazaar, it was seen that the wholesalers had sold potatoes at Tk.42 per kg. But the government has fixed Tk. 30. per kg of potatoes at the wholesale level. Regarding the non-sale of potatoes at the prices fixed by the government, Shah Alam Shah, a trader in Karwan Bazar, said there is not much stock of potatoes now. It is getting late to grow new potatoes again. Due to these reasons, the price of potato is high. In this situation, even if the government fixes the price of potatoes, it will not work. The demand is much higher than the supply of potatoes in the market. Prices are unlikely to fall until new potatoes arrive.

Meanwhile, the vegetable market has turned around and the price of carrots has come down by almost half in a week. Carrots are being sold at Tk. 50 to Tk. 60 per kg in the retail market. But a week ago carrots were Tk. 100 per kg. Carrot prices have come down in retail as well as wholesale. Khilgaon businessman said. Sagar Mia said, last week I sold one kg of carrots for Tk.100. Today, Friday (October 30), I am selling at Tk. 60. per kg as I can buy it at a lower price. Prices of a few more vegetables like carrots have come down.

Liton Majumder, a trader in Karwan Bazar, said, "Last Friday, I sold 10 kg of carrots at Tk 800-720." Today, Friday (October 30) I have sold Tk. 360-400. Prices have come down as supply has increased. The prices of other vegetables are also expected to come down in a few days. Meanwhile, ripe tomatoes are being sold at the same high prices as before. As in the last few months, ripe tomatoes are still being sold at Tk.120 to 140 per kg. With this, bean is being sold at Tk. 80 to 110. per kg. The price of this vegetable has remained unchanged during the week.

Like last week, cucumber is being sold at Tk.50 to 60 per kg. However, the price of barbati has gone up from Tk. 60 to Tk.100 per kg, which was between Tk. 60 and Tk. 80 last week. Eggplant is being sold at Tk.80 to 110. per kg like last week. The price is also unchanged. One kg of usta is being sold at Tk.80 to 100.

Besides these vegetables, other vegetables in the market are also not giving relief. Patal is being sold at Tk. 60 to 70 per kg, like last week, potato is being sold at Tk. 60 to 70 per kg. However, the prices have remained unchanged. Shrimp is being sold at Tk. 60-70 per kg, Kankrol at Tk. 60-70 per kg, Kachur Lati at the same price.

Pieces of lau are being sold for Tk. 60 to 70 like last week. One raw banana is being sold for Tk. 40 to 50. Early winter cauliflower and cabbage pieces are being sold at Tk.30 to 50 . There is no relief in the price of green chillies and onions. One kg of green chillies is being sold for Tk. 200 to 250. Onions are being sold at Tk. 80 to 90 per kg.

PG Mostafa, who was shopping from Karwan Bazar, said the price of carrots in the market has come down a bit. Even then it is not available below Tk. 60. Barbati, Tk. 80 per kg of eggplant. A small cauliflower costs Tk. 30. What can be done if vegetables are so expensive. We have been buying vegetables at such high prices for several months. About half of the salary goes to the market. I can't save any money for a few months to meet other expenses including house rent. The reverse had to be borrowed last month.

Expressing anger and frustration over the price of vegetables, Lail Begum, who was shopping from Khilgaon, said, "I can't pull the market load anymore." Prices of all types of vegetables ranging from potatoes and onions are unusual. This situation has been going on for a week or two or a few months. I can't control my expenses even by reducing my food intake.

Imports increased slightly raise the green pepper prices

Imports of raw chillies from India through Healy land port have increased. A few days ago, 12 to 14 trucks of raw chillies were imported through this port, but now 22 to 25 trucks are being imported. Meanwhile, due to the increase in imports, the price of raw chillies has come down by Tk 40-50 per kg in the last few days. Before the puja, the price of raw chilli was Tk. 140 to Tk. 150 per kg at Healy land port, but on Thursday (October 29) it was Tk. 65 to Tk. 90 per kg.

Traders said that the supply in the open market has come down due to increased supply of raw chillies imported from India as well as domestic chillies. According to Healy Customs, 431 tonnes of raw chillies were imported in 43 Indian trucks through the port in two days.