The task force has been raiding markets in various districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, since the Chief Minister’s order. But with the demand of a large part of the buyers, the campaign is fertilizer! The price of raw grains has not changed. During the campaign, the price decreased a little, but later it increased again. According to the task force, the price of vegetables is under control in the New Market of Kolkata. But in some cases, buyers in foreign markets are being charged higher prices.
A few vendors are selling Sri Lanka at double the price. Onion and potato prices are under control in the Yadubabur market. But the price of carrots is being charged more. A kilogram of cucumber is being charged 100 rupees somewhere. Some sellers are charging 50 rupees. According to the task force, after the operation, the price of vegetables has decreased by 20 to 25 percent. In total, some places have dropped by 30 percent.
At that time, the retailers are reducing the price of grain in that market by 5 to 10 rupees. The next day, the market was again at a high price. Officials raided Jamuria Market in West Burdwan District on Monday. The police were there. According to administrative sources, several vendors had increased the price of vegetables. According to the administration sources, some vendors have also rigged the scales. Joint BDO Nazimul Islam said that the agriculture department is looking into all aspects.
The majority of the buyers claimed that there was no surveillance in most of the markets in Hooghly for the last two days. However, the price of some vegetables has come down to Tk 10–20 per kg. Again, the prices of some vegetables have increased. Retailers claim that prices are high due to the low supply of vegetables. Raw food was sold by official vehicles on Monday as well. Tarakeshwar block administration has arranged to deliver groceries, including food grains, at a low cost by car.
Tarkeswar Block Panchayat Samiti President Krishna Adhikari said, “Due to this project, grasshopper violence will reduce. Farmers can sell their produce at the Sufal Bangla stall. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 35 per kg, and onions at Tk 40 per kg. Most of the vegetables are priced above 60 rupees.
Task force officials raided most of the markets in North 24 Parganas’ Basirhat on July 11, following the Chief Minister’s directive. This is what the buyers have claimed. The price of one kg of raw onion was Tk 150. It was sometimes available at 120 taka. Now its price has increased by 150 rupees. The price of onions has decreased by 5 taka to 45 taka. The price of one kg of garlic was 300 rupees. Now it has been reduced to 250 rupees.
Whether it is the municipal area of South Dinajpur or the rural market, the task force has not been seen anywhere, according to a large part of the buyers. They complain that the market price is still rising. The prices of almost all vegetables, including potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and green chillies, remain the same. There was no change in prices in the wholesale or retail markets.
