Rajshahi, July 14 (V7N) – The price of raw chili in Rajshahi markets has skyrocketed unexpectedly in just a few days, increasing several times due to a sharp drop in supply.
 
A recent survey of markets across Rajshahi city and nearby areas reveals that raw chili is now selling for Tk 300 to 350 per kilogram. This is a steep rise from just Tk 50 to 60 per kilogram, which was the price only five days ago.
 
Vendors attribute the price hike to continuous rainfall that has damaged chili crops, drastically reducing supply. A visit to the local market in Kharkhori Bypass area of Paba Upazila showed that chili availability is very limited. Most of what is available is ripe chili, which sells for around Tk 200 per kilogram. High-quality raw chili is priced up to Tk 350 per kilogram.
 
Vendor Ali Hossain said, “Yesterday, chili was sold at Tk 360 per kilogram. If the rain does not stop, prices may rise further. The plants are either barren or dying due to waterlogging.”
 
Monir Hossain, a farmer from Parila village, brought only a few kilograms of chili to the market. He explained that water has accumulated in his chili field for several days, damaging the crop. “If this continues for two or three more days, the entire field will be ruined,” he added.
 
Another trader, Taslim, revealed that he buys chili from a farmer at Tk 320 per kilogram and sells it at Tk 350. “There is almost no chili available. Still, from here, chili is supplied to Dhaka as well,” he said.
 
At the same market, buyer Haidar Hossain purchased two and a half kilograms of chili, saying, “I needed chili for an event at home, so I had to buy it at this high price.”
 
Similar conditions prevail at Saheb Bazar and Binodpur markets in the city. Vendors say continuous rain has halted fieldwork and disrupted supply chains.
 
A customer at Saheb Bazar said he bought just a small portion of chili for Tk 80, adding, “A few days ago, I could buy a whole kilogram for the same price.”
 
This sudden price hike highlights the vulnerability of local agricultural supply chains to adverse weather conditions, impacting both farmers and consumers. Market watchers are closely monitoring the situation as continued rainfall threatens further damage to chili crops and sustained price increases.

END/MRA/SMA/