In Ishwardi of Pabna, the bustling Muladuli Mango Orchard transforms into a lively wholesale hub, moving beans worth an astonishing Tk 1.5 crore daily.
Stretching from 10:00am to 3:00pm, the market comes alive with a flurry of activity as farmers, traders, and wholesalers gather to trade the season’s bean harvest.
Despite its vibrant operations, the market has faced a unique challenge this year. Unlike previous seasons, where daily sales reached Tk 2 to Tk 2.5 crore, heavy rains have hampered the production of early beans, marking the lowest yield in a decade.
A day at the market
A visit to the Muladuli wholesale market reveals a scene brimming with energy. Farmers arrive with their harvests on rickshaw-vans, power trolleys, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and other vehicles, unloading piles of beans onto the market grounds.
Traders and wholesalers engage in spirited negotiations, with prices determined by the size and quality of the beans. Workers weigh, bag, and stack the produce, while trucks line up to carry loads to destinations across the country. Since space in the market is limited, sacks of beans often spill into surrounding areas.
From fields to markets
In peak seasons of previous years, 100 to 120 truckloads of beans departed from the market daily, heading to the capital and other districts. This year, however, only 40 to 50 trucks are leaving each day due to the reduced harvest.
Initially, the season saw beans selling at a remarkable Tk 340 per kilogram, an unusually high price. Currently, prices hover between Tk 40 and Tk 50 per kilogram, after weeks of stability at Tk 100–150 per kilogram. Despite the lower yields, farmers have seen higher earnings due to the favorable early-season prices.
Farmers reap benefits
Local bean trader Abu Bakkar estimates that 1,000 to 1,200 tonnes of beans still flow into the market daily, with 50–60 truckloads dispatched nationwide.
“Although production is lower this year, the good prices have brought relief to farmers. At the start of the season, beans sold for Tk 340 per kilogram, which is unprecedented. Even now, with prices around Tk 40, it’s far better than the usual Tk 10 per kilogram,” Abu Bakkar explained.
A resilient trade
Sujan Sheikh, son of Alam Bhandari, the founder of Muladuli Raw Material Warehouse, confirmed the market’s resilience. “Despite the lower production, beans worth Tk 1–1.5 crore are sold every day. Farmers have managed to recover losses from earlier setbacks.”
Even as prices stabilise, demand remains steady, with the market importing at least 1,200 tonnes of beans daily.
Official insights
Ishwardi Upazila Agriculture Officer Mita Sarkar shed light on the market’s dynamics. “Early in the season, farmers marketed beans in advance, fetching prices as high as Tk 250 per kilogram. Despite setbacks from natural disasters, farmers have recovered well, benefiting from sustained high market prices throughout the season,” she said.
A seasonal triumph
The Muladuli Mango Orchard wholesale market continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and opportunity for farmers and traders. Despite nature’s challenges, the lucrative trade of beans this year underscores the enduring vitality of Ishwardi’s agricultural sector.