Who is Failing—Government, Producers, or Consumers?

Over the last three days (4/3-7/3/2025), I spent time with farmers growing tomatoes, cauliflower, and potatoes at Shovna village, Dumuria Upazila, Khulna. What I saw was heartbreaking. Farmers are refusing to harvest their crops, even though they are ready. The reason? Prices are too low to cover their costs.

Potato farmers are in a tough spot. They spent a lot on seeds, fertilizers, labor, and fuel. Now, the market price is so low that harvesting feels like a loss. They wonder how long they should wait. But waiting is risky—rainfall could ruin their crops. Though potatoes last longer than tomatoes, they are not immune to natural disasters.

For tomato farmers, the situation is even worse. Tomatoes spoil quickly. The cost of harvesting and transportation is sometimes more than the selling price. Many farmers have left their fields, letting tomatoes rot. One farmer told me, “Picking tomatoes is a waste of time. I’d rather sleep than work for free.”

Another farmer said, “Our job is to grow crops. We don’t control the market—the government does.” He blamed political instability for disrupting transportation, which causes huge losses. He also pointed out the need for cold storage. Instead of imposing tariffs, the government could invest in storage facilities. This would allow farmers to keep their produce fresh and sell it when prices improve. Right now, Bangladesh has about 400 cold storage units, but most are in urban areas and used only for potatoes. Many farmers have no access to storage, forcing them to sell at throwaway prices or lose everything.

The irony is striking. We talk about ensuring food for everyone, yet the farmers who grow our food can’t sell it at a fair price. If this continues, many will quit farming, which will hurt food production in the long run. Bangladesh produces 4.6 million metric tons of tomatoes every year, but 25 to 40 percent of them go to waste. Poor handling, lack of storage, and market instability are to blame. If we could save even a fraction of this loss, farmers would earn more, and food would be more affordable for consumers.

Tomatoes are not just an economic crop—they are a powerhouse of nutrition. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100-gram serving of raw tomatoes is made up of 95 percent water, which keeps the body hydrated. It has only 18 calories, making it a great low-calorie food. It contains 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and 0.9 grams of protein, giving it a good balance of nutrients. Tomatoes are also rich in fiber (1.2 grams per serving), which helps digestion. They are a great source of vitamin C (21 percent of daily needs), which boosts the immune system. The 237 milligrams of potassium in tomatoes help control blood pressure and support heart health. But one of the most important nutrients is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. Regular tomato consumption can improve heart health, skin, and eyesight. Given these benefits, it is crucial to make sure tomatoes reach consumers instead of being wasted in the fields.

This crisis is bigger than just farmers. If they continue to suffer losses, food production will decrease, and the whole country will feel the impact. The government needs to take action. First, they should introduce a system to stabilize prices, so farmers don’t face extreme ups and downs. Second, improving rural roads and transport will help crops reach markets faster. Third, we need more cold storage facilities, not just in cities but in farming areas. Fourth, the government should support farmer cooperatives, so they have better bargaining power. Lastly, middlemen should be regulated, so they don’t take advantage of both farmers and consumers.

So, who is failing—government, producers, or consumers? Looking forward to hearing from you.