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Dr. Jahangir Alam

  • Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village

Dr. Jahangir Alam: Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village
Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress
Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress
Politics and Bureaucracy

Plummeting vegetable prices: Farmers in distress

In the past calendar year, vegetable production was disrupted due to prolonged droughts, followed by floods and excessive rainfall. As a result, prices soared abnormally. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of farmers, production has reached an expected level. Now, it is the peak season for vegetables, and markets are filled with an abundance of winter vegetables. Vendors have set up stalls showcasing a diverse array of vegetables, and supply is increasing daily. Consequently, vegetable prices are gradually declining, making them affordable for consumers.

Rice Price Hike: Profits devoured by middlemen
Rice Price
State and Politics

Rice Price Hike: Profits devoured by middlemen

The rice market in Bangladesh has been volatile for some time now. Prices initially saw a slight decline but have surged again post-elections. Currently, coarse varieties like Swarna and China are being sold at BDT 55-60 per kilogram, medium-grade BRRI Dhan 29 at BDT 61-65, and finer Miniket at BDT 70-75. The premium Nazirshail variety ranges between BDT 75-85 depending on the market, while aromatic rice varieties like Kataribhog are even pricier. This price hike during the peak Aman harvesting season is unusual and suggests that traders are exploiting consumers for undue profit, causing immense hardship to the poor.

Alarming warning signs in food security
Alarming warning signs in food security
Article

Alarming warning signs in food security

High inflation, slow production growth, reduced imports, and disruptions in the supply chain have put our food security at risk. We were generally informed by various sources that 20 to 22 percent of people suffer from food insecurity. Now this has risen to 26 percent.

Factors behind rising vegetable costs in Kartik
Factors behind rising vegetable costs in Kartik
State and Politics

Factors behind rising vegetable costs in Kartik

The month of Kartik is upon us, a time often associated with crisis in rural Bengal. In the northern regions of the country, this period is referred to as "Monga kal," or the season of famine. During this time, agricultural activities decrease, leading to a reduction in the earnings of farm laborers. The Aman rice is in its growing stage, and there is less variety of other crops available. The supply of summer vegetables significantly diminishes, hitting rock bottom. Seasonal vegetables begin to appear only towards the end of Kartik, with their supply increasing in late Hemanta, or early Agrahayan.

Ensuring accurate data key to reforming ‍agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors
Dr. Jahangir Alam
Interview

Ensuring accurate data key to reforming ‍agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors

Dr. Jahangir Alam, a renowned agricultural economist and researcher, currently serves as the Director of the Dhaka School of Economics. Previously, he held the positions of Vice Chancellor at the University of Global Village and Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. Recently, due to severe flooding in 11 districts of the country, there has been extensive damage to the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. To recover from this damage, the interim government needs to implement specific plans and measures. He has discussed these issues in an interview with 'Views Bangladesh,' conducted by K.M. Zahid.