Dhaka, Nov 13 (V7N)- Markets in the capital are seeing a wider variety of fresh and nutritious vegetables as winter approaches, attracting buyers with more choices. However, prices of many newly arrived vegetables remain high, adding to the pressure on household budgets.

At the beginning of the winter season, consumers are having to pay Tk 40 for a peach. Various varieties of brinjal are available, with large palm brinjal selling for Tk 90 per kilogram. Lemons cost more than Tk 60, while gourds are priced at Tk 70 each. Papaya remains among the cheapest options, selling for Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kilogram.

Although prices vary across markets, several vegetables have crossed Tk 100 per kilogram, including tomatoes, bitter gourd and new potatoes. Sellers expect prices to decline once winter vegetable production and supply increase further.

Retailers attribute the high prices to long-standing practices in the supply chain, including the hand-picking system. They also point to rising production and transportation costs. Higher expenses for fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and irrigation are adding to the cost of bringing vegetables to market.

Meanwhile, lower inflation has yet to bring relief to consumers in the capital's poultry markets, where egg and chicken prices remain high. Sellers say some farms are already reducing production to avoid losses during winter.

Red eggs are selling for Tk 145 to Tk 150 per dozen, while white eggs cost Tk 130 to Tk 135. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk 170 to Tk 190 per kilogram, while golden chicken sells for Tk 240 to Tk 330.

Beef is selling for Tk 800 to Tk 850 per kilogram, while mutton costs Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,250.

Fish prices have also remained high, with little relief for buyers. Rui is selling for Tk 280 to Tk 380 per kilogram, large tilapia for Tk 180 to Tk 200, silver carp and grass carp for Tk 180 to Tk 200, and pangash for Tk 160 to Tk 250.

Katla is priced at Tk 350 to Tk 380 per kilogram, farmed koi at Tk 200 to Tk 220, and pabda at Tk 380 to Tk 420.

Hilsa remains beyond the reach of many ordinary consumers, selling for Tk 800 to Tk 2,300 per kilogram. The price of large-sized hilsa has exceeded Tk 2,600 per kilogram.

END/SMA/AJ