Freshly harvested, early-season potatoes have hit the markets of Dinajpur, with prices climbing as high as 200 taka per kilogram.
The price hike has sparked mixed reactions among buyers, who are feeling the pinch of these steep prices.
On Friday, new potatoes were prominently displayed at Bahadur Bazar, where only a few vendors were seen selling small quantities.
According to both buyers and sellers, the high demand during the Nabanna festival is the main reason for the soaring prices. Nabanna, an important celebration in the Bengali calendar, marks the harvest and is observed with new rice and vegetables, making the timing ideal for high prices.
Despite the cost, customers were willing to buy at least a small amount. By late afternoon, the price slightly dropped to 140 taka per kilogram as more produce became available.
Pradip Das, a local shopper, explained, "Today, we Sanatan believers are celebrating Nabanna. Everything we use must be fresh and new, including rice and vegetables. Even though potatoes are priced at 200 taka per kilogram, I had to purchase some because they are essential for our celebrations."
Lakshman Sarkar from Rajbari shared, "Nabanna demands fresh vegetables. I paid 50 taka for just half a kilogram of potatoes. Last year, 250 grams cost me 80 taka, so it feels slightly less expensive this time."
Another shopper, Sajib Adhikari, noted, "New potatoes are 200 taka per kilogram. I've been searching for them for days and finally bought 100 grams for 20 taka."
Vendor Ekramul Haque added, "I bought these early potatoes from a wholesaler in Khanasama Pakarhat. Prices are always higher during Nabanna, and I had to pay a premium, so I'm selling them at a higher rate."
