<i>Winter vegetables yet to be cheaper for all</i>

Photo: STAR

Prices of winter vegetables have started easing but most of the items are still pricey for the low-income group.
Only white radish sells at Tk 8-10 a kilogram. But a medium-size cauliflower still sells at Tk 12-15, a cabbage at Tk 15-18 and beans at Tk 20-24 a kg.
"Prices will come down with further increase in supply," said a wholeseller at Karwan Bazar yesterday.
Farmers are yet to recover loss from the repeated floods, he added. The recent cyclone in the coastal districts will also have an impact on supply and prices, he said.
But most consumers are not happy at the on-going prices of winter items.
"We thought that prices of greens and vegetables will ease in winter. But there is no sign of any relief yet," said Anwar Ali, a schoolteacher at Karwan Bazar.
During a round-up at the kitchen market this correspondent found that despite good supply prices of greens have not eased much.
Palong shak still sells at Tk 15-18 a kg, lal shak at Tk 12-14, mula shak Tk 10-12 while lau shak Tk 15-20.
"How do you expect to get things at cheaper prices when all the items are supplied from far outside the city," posed a vegetable vendor at Shantinagar kitchen market.
"Farmers do not get your money. It all goes to the transport owners and fertiliser dealers," he said.
At Karwan Bazar, 'big' green chillies from India were selling at Tk 40 a kilogram yesterday. Local variety was scarcely available and was above Tk 60 a kg.
Newly produced potatoes have started coming from northern districts. The white variety sells at Tk 28-30 while the red at Tk 35-40 a kg. But potatoes from the old stock are still going strong as they sell at Tk 23-24 a kilogram.
Tomato prices have marked fall in the last one week. Green tomato sells at Tk 18-20 while the first batch of 'ripe' tomato is available at Tk 25-30.
Besides, turnip sells at Tk 14-16 a kilogram, carrot Tk 20-25, brinjal at Tk 20-25 and cucumber Tk 20-24.
Supply of gourds is yet to increase as a medium-size one still sells at Tk 25-30 while a pumpkin at similar prices.
But coriander leaves are now cheaper and they sell at Tk 35-40 a kg, down from Tk 100 a week ago.