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Dr. Jahangir Alam

  • Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village

Dr. Jahangir Alam: Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village
Potato price collapse: How to protect farmers?
Potato price collapse
Special Content

Potato price collapse: How to protect farmers?

The market price of potatoes has plummeted drastically. Depending on the quality, potatoes are selling for just 15 to 20 taka per kilogram. Farmers at the farm level are receiving only 10 to 12 taka per kilogram, even though the production cost is significantly higher. According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, the production cost this year is 14 taka per kilogram. Farmers from different regions report that their cost ranges between 18 to 20 taka per kilogram. Adding a minimal profit margin, the farmgate price should be no less than 22 taka per kilogram. However, the current selling price is nearly half of that, leading to a severe financial crisis for potato farmers across the country. They have been protesting, submitting memorandums to the government, and even dumping potatoes on the streets to draw public attention to their plight.

Reevaluating agriculture sector and need for an agriculture commission
agriculture commission
Special Content

Reevaluating agriculture sector and need for an agriculture commission

In recent years, the number of medium and large farmers has been declining, while the number of small farmers has been increasing. This trend has had a negative impact on overall crop production. According to the latest Agricultural Census (2018–19), the number of farms increased by 11.19 percent in 2019 compared to the 2008 census. However, land under the control of large farms decreased by 46.18 percent, while land held by medium farms declined by 36.06 percent. Conversely, small farms have taken control of 32.24 percent more land.

Ramadan Market: Consumers in a dilemma of relief-discomfort
Ramadan Market
State and Politics

Ramadan Market: Consumers in a dilemma of relief-discomfort

This year's Ramadan has seen a limited rise in the prices of essential commodities. While the prices of some items remain stable, others have increased. The cost of vegetables has dropped significantly. The prices of sugar, lentils, chickpeas, and gram flour have remained steady and, in some cases, decreased by 5 to 10 BDT per kilogram. However, the prices of rice and oil have surged. Dates continue to be expensive, and fruit prices are high. The prices of lemons, cucumbers, and eggplants have skyrocketed. As a result, consumers are caught between relief and distress in the market.

Accurate statistics are essential for food security
Accurate statistics are essential for food security
Economics

Accurate statistics are essential for food security

There is a lack of reliable statistics in the country. The data regularly provided by various government and private organizations are often questionable and do not always align with reality. As a result, the public has limited confidence in the statistics related to national income growth, inflation, production, consumption, and distribution. This lack of trust must be addressed by ensuring accurate and reliable data from the concerned institutions. Without this, it is impossible to formulate and implement effective development plans. Accurate statistics are also crucial for research; otherwise, the findings may fail to achieve their intended goals.

Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress
Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress
Politics and Bureaucracy

Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress

In the past calendar year, vegetable production was disrupted due to prolonged droughts, followed by floods and excessive rainfall. As a result, prices soared abnormally. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of farmers, production has reached an expected level. Now, it is the peak season for vegetables, and markets are filled with an abundance of winter vegetables. Vendors have set up stalls showcasing a diverse array of vegetables, and supply is increasing daily. Consequently, vegetable prices are gradually declining, making them affordable for consumers.

Rice Price Hike: Profits devoured by middlemen
Rice Price
State and Politics

Rice Price Hike: Profits devoured by middlemen

The rice market in Bangladesh has been volatile for some time now. Prices initially saw a slight decline but have surged again post-elections. Currently, coarse varieties like Swarna and China are being sold at BDT 55-60 per kilogram, medium-grade BRRI Dhan 29 at BDT 61-65, and finer Miniket at BDT 70-75. The premium Nazirshail variety ranges between BDT 75-85 depending on the market, while aromatic rice varieties like Kataribhog are even pricier. This price hike during the peak Aman harvesting season is unusual and suggests that traders are exploiting consumers for undue profit, causing immense hardship to the poor.