Yes, the current vegetable marketing system in Dhaka is a significant contributor to high price fluctuations for consumers. Here's why:

• Multiple Intermediaries: Each middleman (Bepari, Aratdar) adds a markup to the price, leading to a final price for consumers that is higher than what farmers receive.
• Limited Market Information: Farmers often lack real-time data on market demand. When there's a sudden surge in demand, they might raise prices disproportionately due to uncertainty. Conversely, a glut of vegetables can lead to a sharp price drop, impacting farmer income.
• Post-Harvest Losses: Inadequate storage and transportation facilities lead to spoilage, reducing overall supply. This limited availability can push prices up, especially for perishable vegetables.
• Seasonal Variations: Production of some vegetables fluctuates significantly based on weather conditions. When there's a seasonal shortage, prices can skyrocket for consumers.
• Lack of Transparency: Consumers often have limited information about the origin and pricing structure of vegetables. This lack of transparency can make them vulnerable to price manipulation by intermediaries.

Examples of Price Fluctuations:

• Prices of leafy greens can double or triple during the dry season when production is lower.
• Sudden rain or floods can disrupt transportation and lead to temporary spikes in prices.
• Artificial shortages created by intermediaries to manipulate prices can negatively impact consumers.

Impact on Consumers:

• High and unpredictable vegetable prices can strain household budgets, particularly for low-income families.
• Limited access to affordable, nutritious vegetables can have negative health consequences for consumers.
• Unpredictable prices can discourage consumers from buying vegetables, potentially leading to dietary deficiencies.

Potential Solutions:

• Improved Market Information Systems: Providing farmers and consumers with real-time data on prices and demand can lead to more informed decision-making and potentially reduce price fluctuations.
• Investment in Cold Chain Infrastructure: Reducing post-harvest losses through proper storage and transportation will stabilize supply and potentially mitigate price spikes caused by shortages.
• Shortening the Supply Chain: Connecting farmers directly to consumers through farmers' markets or online platforms can reduce the number of intermediaries and potentially lower prices for consumers.
• Government Price Stabilization Programs: In extreme cases, government intervention through buffer stocks or price controls might be necessary to ensure reasonable vegetable prices for consumers.

By addressing these factors, the vegetable marketing system in Dhaka could be made more efficient, leading to less volatile prices and improved affordability for consumers.

In your MPhil research, you can explore the extent of price fluctuations, their impact on consumers, and propose solutions that address the root causes of these variations.