DAAMDEKHIBangladesh’s Vegetable Price Trends and Influencing Factors (Early 2025)
Data Overview and Price Peaks/Valleys
We analyzed daily vegetable prices across five major platforms in Bangladesh – Pandamart (Foodpanda), Chaldal, Shwapno, Meenabazar, and Othoba – from March through July 2025, using timestamped records provided by DaamDekhi. This period captures the tail-end of winter harvests, the Ramadan season, and the onset of the monsoon. Below we highlight each vegetable’s lowest and highest price points during this timeframe and when they occurred, as an indicator of supply gluts vs. shortages:
- Potato: Reached as low as Tk 20 per kg in early March 2025 (during peak harvest)[1], and hovered around Tk 25–30 per kg by July[2] – a relatively stable range. Note: This follows a record 1.25 crore tonne harvest that created a glut[3]. (For context, potato prices spiked to Tk 50–80 in late 2024 due to crop shortfall and hoarding[4], before farmers responded by planting more.)
- Onion: Fell to roughly Tk 40 per kg in March[1] amid abundant local supply and imports, then climbed to about Tk 60 per kg by early July[5]. The rise was relatively modest – aided by government imports ahead of Ramadan and India lifting export curbs in April 2025[6][7]. (Onion prices were far more volatile in 2024, topping Tk 80–100 during an export ban[8][6].)
- Tomato: Plummeted to Tk 10–20 per kg in late winter (March) amid the seasonal glut[1], then skyrocketed to ~Tk 140–180 per kg by July[2][9] when local supply dried up. As Figure 1 shows, tomatoes had one of the sharpest swings, reflecting their highly seasonal nature in Bangladesh.
- Brinjal (Eggplant): Sold for only Tk 30–40 per kg during March[1] (peak growing season and Ramadan iftar staple), but surged to Tk 80–120 per kg by July[10]. Off-season scarcity and increased demand (e.g. for dishes like beguni in monsoon) drove the price up.
- Green Chili: Roughly Tk 60–80 per kg in early summer, but spiked to Tk 220–250 in late July[11][12]. In fact, green chilies experienced a dramatic mid-July price shock (briefly hitting Tk 300+ in some markets) as heavy rains ruined chili fields[13][14]. Figure 2 below illustrates this extreme volatility.
Other veggies followed similar patterns. Winter crops like cauliflower, cabbage, radish, etc. were dirt cheap in Feb–Mar (often <Tk 15 each[1]), but became pricy or even unavailable in off-season summer[15]. Summer gourds (e.g. bitter gourd, snake gourd) and leafy greens saw mid-year spikes once their peak season ended[16][17]. Meanwhile year-round staples (e.g. pumpkin, leafy amaranth) saw smaller fluctuations. Overall, the lowest prices consistently coincided with peak harvest periods (late winter or early summer), whereas the highest prices hit during off-season months (monsoon/lean periods) for each crop.
Figure 1: Price trends for potato vs. tomato in 2025. Potato remained low and stable (~Tk 20–30/kg) thanks to a bumper harvest, whereas tomato prices spiked fivefold (to ~Tk 160/kg) by July due to off-season scarcity[1][2].
Weather, Seasonal Cycles, and Geopolitical Influences
Multiple weather and geopolitical factors underlie these price dynamics:
- Seasonal supply cycles: In Bangladesh’s climate, winter (Nov–Feb) is the main growing season for most vegetables. A flood of produce in late winter/early spring leads to low prices, as seen in March when markets were “full of different types of vegetables” and prices “brought relief” to consumers[18][1]. For example, a record potato and tomato harvest in early 2025 created an oversupply, driving farmgate prices below production cost[19][20]. However, once the winter crop cycle ends (by April–May), supplies tighten. By June–July, many veggies are between growing seasons, so old stocks dwindle and new crops aren’t yet yielding, pushing prices up[16][21]. This seasonal trough was evident in July when traders noted “the peak season for several vegetables had ended,” causing prices to “remain higher until fresh produce from the new season arrived”[22].
- Monsoon weather impacts: The June–July monsoon brought unusually heavy rainfall and flooding, decimating crops in key farm districts. Prolonged downpours submerged ~136,000 hectares of cropland[13]. According to the Agricultural Extension Department, vegetables like chili, gourds, and beans were hit hard, with farmers reporting fields under water and rot setting in[23][24]. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department attributed the rains to a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system and warned of further rain spells[25]. This resulted in abrupt supply shortages in city markets by early July – vegetable volumes dropped and prices jumped overnight[24][16]. Traders in Dhaka reported paying much higher wholesale rates due to crop losses from “heavy rains [that] spoiled some vegetables”[26]. For example, yardlong beans, coriander leaves, and cauliflowers (which normally vanish in summer) were available only in small quantities at exorbitant prices (coriander up to Tk 350–400/kg)[15]. Figure 2 highlights how green chili prices soared immediately after the July floods, consistent with news reports of chilies selling for Tk 250–300/kg in Dhaka[11][12].
- Ramadan and religious festivals: The month of Ramadan (Mar 2025) intersected with the harvest season this year, resulting in an interesting outcome – instead of the usual price hike for iftar ingredients, many vegetable prices fell during Ramadan due to ample supply[18][1]. Consumers “breathed a sigh of relief” as items like brinjal, potato, onion, and chilies were cheaper than expected[27]. In contrast, during Eid-ul-Adha (late June 2025), when demand for certain vegetables and spices jumps, prices were already elevated by weather effects. Green chili, for instance, is a critical Eid cooking ingredient and its price was reported around Tk 200+ leading into the festival, adding pressure on festive feasts[11].
- Geopolitical and trade factors: Bangladesh’s reliance on imports for some essentials (especially onions) means global policy changes can swing local prices. India – a key onion exporter – had imposed a full export ban from Dec 2023 through Mar 2024, which previously sent onion prices in Bangladesh soaring[6]. By early 2024, Bangladesh negotiated limited onion imports from India ahead of Ramadan[28][7], helping stabilize prices in 2025. India lifted export duties in April 2025, easing cross-border supply[29]. Likewise, higher global fuel and fertilizer costs over the past year fed into production and transport costs for farmers[30], contributing to generally higher baseline prices. Domestically, the government took measures like TCB truck sales of subsidized veggies and announced plans for alternative farmer’s markets to bypass middlemen[31][8] – policies aimed at countering both inflation and syndicate manipulation (discussed next).
Figure 2: Price trend of green chili in 2025. Heavy monsoon rains in early July triggered a chili shortage, causing prices to explode from ~Tk 80 to over Tk 300 per kg[11]. As fields drained and imports arrived, prices eased back toward Tk 200–250 by late July[12]. Dashed line marks ~Tk 80 (a normal price).
Signs of Artificial Shortages and Market Syndicates
Not all price swings can be explained by seasonality and weather. In Bangladesh, artificial shortages created by unscrupulous traders – popularly blamed on “syndicates” of middlemen – are a perennial concern. Our analysis flags a few patterns consistent with possible market manipulation:
- Sudden, unexplained spikes: When a price jump occurs out of proportion to supply shocks, it raises red flags. For instance, potato prices in late 2024 climbed to absurd levels (Tk 50–80/kg) even though the harvest that year was good[4]. Investigations suggested that a group of cold-storage owners and wholesalers collectively held back potato stocks (a “potato syndicate”) to drive up retail prices, a charge the government acknowledged while planning interventions[8]. In our 2025 data, potatoes remained relatively stable, but officials caution that “prices of essentials increase due to syndicates and middlemen” unless monitored[32]. Similarly, if we had observed a vegetable’s price skyrocket despite normal supply (and without a weather event), it would hint at hoarding or collusion among traders.
- Price divergence between markets: Another indicator is when retail prices far exceed what farmers receive or vary greatly between sellers. During the July price surge, a Dhaka vendor noted some sellers were “taking advantage and charging excessively,” with prices “not the same at every stall”[33]. Such exploitative pricing – possible only when information is scarce and syndicates fix rates – suggests an artificial inflation of prices beyond the true shortage level. Government reports have cited extortionate transport fees and multiple layers of middlemen as factors pushing up vegetable prices unfairly[30][34].
- Cycle of high prices and production response: A telltale pattern of artificial scarcity is a price crash following a price boom. We saw this with potatoes: high prices last year (in part due to syndicates) incentivized farmers to over-plant, resulting in a glut and price collapse in 2025[3][4]. While this benefitted consumers short-term, it caused farmers heavy losses. Such boom-bust cycles can indicate that prices were not purely demand-supply driven initially, but artificially hiked – a situation the agriculture secretary vowed to address by “breaking the syndicates of middlemen”[34].
The government has been actively monitoring for these patterns. In late 2024 it even mulled setting up alternate markets so farmers can “sell directly… to stop the influence of syndicates”, warning that anyone “who raises prices to make excessive profits or creates an artificial crisis” will be dealt with strictly[35]. Such measures, alongside better market information, aim to curb the opaque practices that lead to unjustified price hikes.
Recommendations for Farmers: Timing, Crops, and Storage
For farmers, navigating these trends is crucial for maximizing profit and reducing risk. Based on the price patterns and causes analyzed, here are data-driven recommendations:
- Align planting with market timing: Plan crop cycles so that harvest hits just before or early in lean supply periods. For example, cultivating early-summer tomato or chili varieties (possibly under poly-tunnels) could let farmers capitalize on the high off-season prices in June–July when open-field supply is low[2][12]. Conversely, be cautious of over-planting mainstream crops right after a year of high prices – as seen with potatoes, a flood of production next season can crash the price[3]. Diversifying crops or staggering planting dates among cooperatives can avoid everyone harvesting at once and glutting the market.
- Leverage storage for staples: For non-perishable vegetables like potatoes, onions, and garlic, invest in or rent storage facilities to spread sales over the year. Rather than selling the entire harvest at rock-bottom prices in peak season, farmers (or cooperatives) can store a portion in cold storage to sell during the off-season when prices double or triple[4]. For example, holding onions harvested in March until mid-year can fetch a higher price (Tk 60 vs Tk 40)[5][1]. The government’s support in expanding affordable cold storage will be key here, as current capacity is limited to ~45 lakh tonnes (only a fraction of potato output)[3][36].
- Monitor market and weather information: Utilize services like DaamDekhi (price comparison) and Department of Agricultural Marketing bulletins to track price trends in real time. If forecasts predict heavy monsoon damage or import shortfalls (e.g. an Indian export ban) that could drive up prices, farmers holding stock can choose to sell later at a premium. Conversely, if a bumper crop is anticipated nationwide, they might prioritize quick sales before prices tumble. Awareness can prevent distress sales and empower farmers in price negotiations[37].
- Engage in direct marketing: Where possible, farmers should organize to bypass middlemen and syndicates – for instance, through local farmer markets, online platforms, or cooperatives. This way, they can capture a greater share of the consumer price (which, as we saw, can be 2–3× what farmers got during oversupply periods[38]). Direct sales not only improve farmer margins but also help moderate consumer prices, undercutting the incentive for syndicates to create artificial scarcity[8].
By implementing these strategies – adjusting crop calendars, smart storage, market intelligence, and direct selling – farmers can better stabilize their incomes and even profit from price swings instead of falling victim to them.
Bulk-Buying Strategies for Restaurants and Food Businesses
For restaurants, hotels, and food processors, volatile vegetable prices hurt profitability. However, savvy procurement and stocking strategies can mitigate costs:
- Buy in bulk during glut periods: Take advantage of the seasonal low-price windows to purchase storable produce in bulk. For instance, when tomatoes hit Tk 10/kg in peak season[1], a restaurant can buy large quantities and puree or freeze them for months of use. Similarly, staples like onions, potatoes, and garlic can be bought in bulk at post-harvest lows (e.g. onions at Tk 40[1]) and stored cool and dry for several months. This forward buying insulates against the price doubling in off-season (onions to Tk 60[5], potatoes to Tk 30, etc.). Many large eateries and catering companies in Dhaka already stockpile onions and oil before Ramadan price rises[7] – extending this to vegetables can yield savings.
- Establish supplier contracts or co-ops: Rather than spot-buying at retail markets (where prices are highest), restaurants should partner with producers or wholesalers. Forming procurement co-ops or long-term contracts with farms can lock in stable prices. For example, a hotel chain might contract a farm to supply it pumpkins year-round at an averaged rate, smoothing out the Tk 30 (peak) vs Tk 80 (off-season) swings. Some businesses also coordinate with the government’s Trading Corporation (TCB) during truck sales of subsidized produce[39] to secure cheap supplies.
- Opt for seasonal menus and substitutes: Align menu offerings to use abundant, cheap vegetables each season. In winter, when cauliflower and cabbage are plentiful at Tk 10–15[1], feature them in dishes; in summer, pivot to gourds or imported carrots if local ones vanish. If a particular item’s price explodes unexpectedly (say green chilies at Tk 300[12]), consider substitute ingredients or temporarily adjust portion sizes. Flexible menus ensure that costlier ingredients (whose prices often reflect temporary supply issues) don’t significantly erode profit margins.
- Invest in preservation and storage: Food businesses can also directly invest in cold rooms or preservation. Freezing, pickling, or drying surplus cheap vegetables can create a buffer inventory. For instance, blanched and frozen vegetable mixes (carrots, beans, etc.) can be bought cheaply in-season and used later. Some Bangladeshi food processors are already exploring dehydration of onions and garlic during glut periods[30] – restaurants could similarly dehydrate herbs like coriander when prices are low and rehydrate as needed when fresh herbs are costly (noting that fresh flavor is ideal, but a mix can help).
By planning purchases around the crop calendar and maintaining a buffer stock, restaurants and ready-made food shops can avoid buying at peak prices. One restaurateur in Dhaka noted that when it’s not peak season, “vegetable prices are naturally higher… I buy less and wait until prices drop”[40]. Bulk buying in low season and smart storage turn that wait-and-see approach into a proactive cost-saving strategy.
Platform Price Comparison: Which Offers the Best Deals?
Our dataset also allows a cross-platform price comparison. The five platforms monitored – Pandamart, Chaldal, Shwapno, Meenabazar, and Othoba – cater to slightly different market segments, and the pricing patterns reflect this:
- Chaldal (online grocer) and Pandamart (Foodpanda) generally offered the most competitive prices. These platforms frequently adjust prices and run discounts. For example, Chaldal listed local red onions around Tk 35 per 500g (≈Tk 70/kg) in mid-2025[41], often undercutting superstore rates. Chaldal’s dynamic pricing kept essentials like regular potatoes at ~Tk 24/kg throughout spring[42][43]. Pandamart, similarly, had frequent promotions (e.g. bundle deals or app coupons) which effectively lowered the price for savvy shoppers. Their prices closely tracked daily market rates, given they updated almost in real-time.
- Shwapno (retail chain online) and Meenabazar tended to be mid-range to slightly higher. Being large supermarket chains, their online prices mirrored in-store tags, which include overhead costs. We observed that for certain imported or off-season items, Shwapno’s prices were steep – e.g. imported tomatoes at Tk 160/kg in July[44] and green chili peaking at Tk 330/kg on its site during the July crisis[45]. However, Shwapno often maintains quality and availability, which can justify a premium for some consumers. Meenabazar’s pricing was similar; it did not drastically undercut the market, but also didn’t spike far beyond it. Both chains occasionally offered loyalty or credit card discounts that weren’t reflected in the list price.
- Othoba (e-commerce marketplace) generally showed the highest list prices for vegetables. Othoba sources many groceries via third-party vendors (like Daily Shopping), and prices there were often static or updated infrequently. In our data, Othoba’s prices sometimes lagged behind market changes – for instance, Othoba kept tomato at Tk 35/kg through April when others already saw increases[46], then suddenly jumped it to Tk 150–180 in late July in one go[9]. This suggests less frequent price monitoring. On average, Othoba’s listed prices for staples (potato, onion, etc.) were at or above the levels on Chaldal/Pandamart. Consumers using Othoba likely pay a premium for the convenience of combining various items in one order (as Othoba sells everything from fresh produce to household items).
In summary, online-native grocers (Chaldal, Pandamart) are the best bet for bargain hunters and frequent price updates, whereas traditional chains (Shwapno, Meenabazar) provide reliability at moderate prices, and marketplace platforms like Othoba often come out pricier for produce. Shoppers can exploit this by checking aggregators like DaamDekhi to find which platform has a particular vegetable cheapest on a given day[47]. During the July price spikes, these differences became evident – some platforms capped price hikes (to retain customer trust), while others reflected the full market high.
Ultimately, no single platform is uniformly cheapest for all products. We found that one might lead in one category and lag in another. For example, Chaldal offered the lowest regular price on potatoes and leafy greens in our sample, while Pandamart often had flash sales on spices. Meanwhile, Othoba listed certain exotic or packaged “vegetables” (like imported baby foods in the Fresh Vegetables category) at high prices[48][49], skewing its average. For budget-conscious consumers and restaurateurs, the optimal strategy is to compare across platforms for each item – especially during volatile periods – and buy from the one offering the best deal, bearing in mind delivery fees and quality.
Conclusion
The period of early 2025 has underscored the highly seasonal and weather-dependent nature of Bangladesh’s vegetable prices. We observed dirt-cheap produce in times of abundance and record-high prices just a few months later due to seasonal voids and climate shocks. By integrating multiple data sources – online platform records, market news, and official reports – we can connect the dots: bumper harvests, monsoon floods, festival demand, and at times manipulative middlemen all interplay to shape the price landscape.
For stakeholders across the chain, knowledge is power. Farmers can plan and negotiate better with awareness of these trends, rather than being blindsided by boom-bust cycles[37]. Consumers and businesses, armed with price data (via DaamDekhi and market bulletins), can time their purchases and stockpiles to save costs. Policymakers, on the other hand, can identify when prices move beyond normal parameters – signaling possible syndicate action or supply chain disruption – and respond by releasing stocks or intervening in distribution[8][33].
Encouragingly, Bangladesh’s government and private sector are taking steps such as improving storage, enabling direct farmer-to-market links, and leveraging technology for price transparency[47]. These efforts, if sustained, can smooth out some of the extreme fluctuations and ensure fair pricing. Still, as 2025 has shown, nature will always introduce some uncertainty – and thus adaptability remains key. By anticipating the seasonal highs and lows, and understanding the “why” behind them, all players – from the farm to the kitchen – can make better decisions that keep both plates and pockets a little fuller.
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