A wholesale vegetable market is being held daily in front of Darussunnah Madrasa in Hnila Union of Teknaf Upazila, offering fresh produce at comparatively lower prices. From early morning, a wide variety of freshly harvested vegetables grown by nearby farmers are brought to the market, attracting both local retailers and general consumers.
A visit to the market shows tomatoes selling at Tk 60 per kg, green chillies at Tk 50, cucumbers at Tk 30, carrots at Tk 50, potatoes at Tk 40, eggplants at Tk 40, radishes at Tk 20, and cauliflowers at just Tk 25 per piece.
Farmers said that by selling directly at the wholesale market, they receive fair prices, while buyers also benefit from lower costs.
However, journalist Syed Alam expressed concern over the situation. “Unfortunately, a large portion of the produce grown in Hnila is going to the Rohingya camps.
In addition, prices start rising due to syndicates as soon as the vegetables move slightly east of the Darussunnah Madrasa gate and toward the central station,” he said.
Residents allege that, due to middlemen and syndicates, ordinary consumers are not fully benefiting from lower wholesale prices.
They have demanded increased monitoring of market operations and effective measures to curb syndicates.
Drawing the authorities’ attention, locals said that with proper oversight, both farmers and consumers would be able to enjoy fair benefits from the market system.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
