Rajshahi, June 29 (V7N) — While vegetable prices in Rajshahi have dropped, bringing some relief to consumers, the rice market has become increasingly unstable. Within just a week, rice prices have surged by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram, with sack prices (84 kg) rising by as much as Tk 200 to Tk 300.

Field visits across various retail and wholesale markets in Rajshahi city and its outskirts reveal a contradictory trend: despite the arrival of newly harvested Boro season paddy, rice prices are climbing. This period typically brings price declines. However, traders say that prolonged rains have prevented rice millers from properly drying the paddy, leading to supply shortages and a consequent hike in prices.

At wholesale outlets in Kumarpara, prices have increased noticeably in the past week. On Friday, wholesale prices per kg were as follows: Gutiswarna at Tk 50, Parija or Lalswarna at Tk 58–60, new Atash at Tk 70, old Atash at Tk 75, new Miniket at Tk 80, old Miniket at Tk 85, and Najirshail at Tk 90.

Retail sellers in Rajshahi’s Saheb Bazar confirmed similar hikes in the consumer market. On the same day, Gutiswarna sold at Tk 52 per kg, Parija or Lalswarna at Tk 60–62, new Atash at Tk 72, old Atash at Tk 77, new Miniket at Tk 82, old Miniket at Tk 87, and Najirshail between Tk 90 and Tk 92. Concerned buyers are urging the government to step in with immediate market monitoring to curb this sudden volatility in rice prices.

Meanwhile, fish prices have also seen another round of increases, attributed to a "low supply" explanation given by traders. Beef is now selling at Tk 700–750 per kg, while mutton ranges from Tk 900 to Tk 1,000. Small fish varieties are priced at Tk 300–400 per kg, Silver Carp at Tk 160–180, Pangas at Tk 180–240, and Rui-Katla between Tk 380 and Tk 410.

Poultry prices remain high as well, with broiler chickens priced at Tk 140–150 per kg, Sonali chickens at Tk 260–270, and native chickens at Tk 450–480. A dozen white eggs now costs Tk 35–38, while red eggs are selling at Tk 38–40.

In contrast to rising meat and grain prices, the vegetable market has brought some relief. Prices have either decreased or remained stable over the past week. Per-kilogram prices were recorded as follows: potatoes at Tk 22–25, eggplant at Tk 40, pointed gourd (potol) at Tk 20, okra at Tk 25, cucumber at Tk 40, sweet pumpkin at Tk 30, bottle gourd (per piece) at Tk 20–30, ash gourd at Tk 30, green chili at Tk 50, and onions at Tk 45–50.

While urban consumers are pleased with falling vegetable prices, farmers are disheartened. Many growers report that current prices are too low to even recover production costs, raising concerns about sustainability and fair returns in the agriculture sector.

As price trends continue to shift sharply, both urban households and rural producers are feeling the impact from opposite ends of the economic spectrum—prompting calls for balanced, transparent, and proactive market regulation.

END/RAR/SMA/