In Bangladesh, the peak potato season is seeing unusually high prices due to adverse weather conditions and halted imports. Cyclone Michaung's incessant rains have negatively impacted potato production, reducing early variety supplies. The cessation of potato imports has further strained supply levels, causing consumers to face inflated prices.
Trading Corporation of Bangladesh data reveals a stark contrast in potato prices compared to last year, with costs ranging from Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg, up from Tk 22 to Tk 25 per kg. Over the past year, retail potato prices have surged by 134 percent.
Despite the entry of new potatoes into the market, prices continue to rise. Wholesale trader Mohammad Sabuj described this as an unprecedented situation in his 30-year trading history. Factors such as unfavorable weather affecting saplings have led to reduced production, further contributing to the price increase.
Despite government efforts to control prices by fixing retail rates and allowing potato imports, the market has seen little impact. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that only 60,000 tonnes out of an approved 360,000 tonnes of potatoes were imported.
[ Tk 100 = €0.84 ]
Source: asianews.network