The recent floods in southwestern districts and untimely heavy shower across the country have seriously damaged early winter vegetables, resulting in shortage of supply and high

Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said production target of winter vegetables this year was fixed at 65 lakh tons In 3.25 lakh hectares of land.

They, however, failed to give

any estimate of damage of vegetables due to the floods.

According to a government estimate, the loss in agriculture sector in the 16 flood hit districts stood at Tk 578.76 crore.

The 16 districts, mostly in south-western region of the country. remained flood affected for about a month since late September. Vegetables cultivated for supply in the early winter were completely damaged in the floods, officials pointed out.

Besides, heavy shower across the country due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal in the last week of October damaged vegetables.

While visiting a number markets in the city yesterday, it was found that vegetables including bean, cauliflower and cabbage were selling at prices much higher than that In the previous years. Traders attributed this to Inadequate supply.

A wholesale tomato trader in a citv market. Iman Hossain. said that locally produced tomato is vet to be supplied to markets and for this, high priced Imported tomato has occupied the market.

Tomato produced In Kushi la come to city markets by this time every year. But the situation Is different this year as the floods hit six thanas in that district.

DAE officials however said production and supply of vegetables are likely to lx* normal by midwinter.

But the traders fear that normal supply may be further delayed.

One of them however said. Unscrupulous traders are also playing a role behind high price of vegetables in the city markets now."