Two hour vegetable market bustles on Banar riverbanks

SREEPUR, GAZIPUR, Jan 16: Bormi Market, a historic weekly vegetable hub on the banks of the Banar River in Sreepur Upazila, continues to be a major centre for agricultural trade, with farmers and traders conducting brisk business in just two hours.

On Wednesday morning, the river was shrouded in dense fog, but boats carrying fresh produce began arriving at the Bormi Market ferry ghat. Local vegetables-including potatoes, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, cauliflower, cabbage, and radishes-were offloaded directly from the boats to the riverside, where bargaining between farmers and traders started immediately.

Bormi Market, nearly a century old, remains a lifeline for the region's agricultural economy. Farmers from Sreepur and surrounding upazilas transport freshly harvested vegetables by boat to sell directly to wholesalers and retailers. According to market traders, the entire transaction process, from 7am to 9am, involves the sale of vegetables worth several lakh takas.
A distinctive feature of the market is its toll-free system. Farmers and wholesalers are not required to pay any charges for selling produce. The riverside location facilitates easy loading and unloading, saving time and costs for vendors.

Md Jalal Uddin, a farmer from Kuriyadhi Village in Kapasia Upazila, said, "I brought long eggplants and tomatoes from my farm. Every year I come to Bormi Market. Prices are good this season. Although fog and cold have reduced the quantity slightly, I have already sold vegetables worth around Tk 2 lakh."

Md Shahid Mia, a farmer from Bottola area of Tanghab Union in Pagla Thana, Gafargaon Upazila, Mymensingh, said the riverside market was highly convenient. "We load vegetables from near our homes onto boats and bring them directly to the market. From the boat, we offload the produce, and wholesalers bargain and take the goods. There are no extra costs, which is a major advantage," he added.

Dayal Mia, a farmer from Trimohoni area, said, "Our vegetables are completely fresh. We do not use harmful pesticides and rely on organic fertilizers. The transport system is good, and there are no extra charges. That is why we sell here. Demand is high, and prices are fair."

Local traders also praised the market. Nasir Uddin, a trader from Jaina Bazaar, and Shafiqul Islam, a shopkeeper from Noyanpur Bazaar, said, "We come every Wednesday to buy fresh vegetables. Quality is excellent, and prices are slightly lower than other markets. We then sell them at Maona Chourasta and Jaina Bazaar. All vegetables-potatoes, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, gourds-are fresh and tasty."

Anowar Mridha, owner of "Sesas Afsan Enterprise" on the riverbank, said, "Vegetables are sold here daily, but Wednesday is the busiest. From 7am to 9am, several lakh takas worth of vegetables are sold. Farmers do not pay any toll. After meeting local demand, these vegetables are sent to Dhaka and other parts of the country."

Bormi Market leaseholder Maulana Abdul Matin said, "During different times of the year, especially in winter, the riverside vegetable market operates for almost two months. Toll-free sales allow farmers to get fair prices, and this system continues this season."

Shahjahan Fakir, president of Bormi Market Merchants Association, said, "This market is more than a business hub; it is a place of trust. Farmers get fair prices, and consumers get fresh vegetables."

Sreepur Upazila Agriculture Officer Sumaiya Sultana Bonya added, "Bormi Market is a historic market. Every Wednesday, vegetables worth several lakh takas are sold within two hours. The produce is extremely fresh and of high quality, which attracts more buyers."