Fresh Common Bean Monthly Update (Bangladesh) 2025-10

Ahead of Ramadan 2026, Jhenaidah's markets have maintained stable and affordable prices for daily essentials, contrasting with the usual seasonal price surge. Key items such as vegetables, edible oil, chickpeas, sugar, molasses, and dates have seen little to no significant price increases. For example, potatoes are priced at Taka 20 per kg, garlic at Taka 110-120 per kg, and onions at Taka 50-60 per kg, while sugar ranges from Taka 140 to 160 per kg depending on type. Market stability is attributed to the absence of syndicates and ongoing government monitoring efforts, including mobile court drives targeting market regulation. Traders report steady sales aligned with consumer demand, and authorities continue to enforce measures to keep essentials affordable throughout Ramadan.

Ahead of Ramadan, prices of key vegetables such as eggplant, cucumber, and green chilli in Dhaka markets have surged by Tk30-40 per kg, with cucumbers rising from Tk70 to Tk90-100 per kg within two days. Zahidi dates, a staple for low-income consumers, have seen a sharp increase from Tk170 to Tk260-270 per kg over one week, despite a recent import duty reduction from 25% to 15%. Other date varieties have also experienced price hikes of Tk50-100 per kg. Market observers and consumers attribute these increases to traders exploiting Ramadan demand amid weak government market monitoring. The price rises are causing significant strain on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes.

Farmers in Narail district are expecting a bumper harvest of winter vegetables in 2026, supported by favorable weather, adequate fertilizers, pesticides, and timely agricultural loans from Bangladesh Krishi Bank and other institutions. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a production target of 74,073 tonnes from 3,140 hectares across Sadar, Lohagara, and Kalia upazilas. With technical assistance and incentives from DAE, farmers are cultivating a diverse range of vegetables such as brinjal, cauliflower, beans, tomatoes, and broccoli. The fertile land and institutional support have made winter vegetable farming a profitable venture for local farmers.