The tables turn

Not too long ago, before the advent of the superstores much of the media attention was devoted to the never ending pivotal issues for the farmer: not getting fair, indeed any realistic price for produce. Those were the days when it didn't take half a day to reach Dhaka from Comilla - yet the price of a solitary cauliflower would inevitably appreciate twenty times from the patch to the kitchen market.
The prompt response to a quizzical question to the owner of a superstore group was 'we will source from the farmer, thereby ensuring fair price to him as well as the consumer'. Fair enough a proposition that essentially removed the 'cost of doing business' element for the cash-strapped consumer. In between the passage of time and the inevitable inflationary costs the consumer had to go bargain hunting. The excruciating crunching prices during Ramadan was followed by familiar photographs of potato growers, milk producers dumping their product in disgust and frustration. And it would now seem that much like other seasonal commodities, onions, green chillies, aubergines are destined to be permanent cash crops for the fasting months.
Economics demand a crucial balance between demand and supply with all other factors remaining constant. In a 'no factor is constant' situation the balance is a precarious one to maintain. But it would emerge that the tables have turned.
With newer marketing tools available consumers are being, of late being offered some exceptional prices for an array of daily essentials. Radish going for Tk one per kg, Red Hyacinth at Tk 1.0 per clump, Green Beans at Tk 15 per kg and the redoubtable Cauliflower at Tk 15 per piece are just some examples. It doesn't happen every day but there again, nothing is constant! Those used to superstore culture will know how fierce competition in other countries leads them to display signage such as 'low prices today, everyday'. Since the price slashing also applies to meat, fish, oil and rice it is obvious that the demand supply equation forces such moves.
From a positive context the consumer is protected against adulteration and rotten perishables. It also allows them to stock up in advance. The popularity of these superstores and the multiplying outlet extensions would suggest that come what may they have made a place for themselves.
The spirals during calamitous periods-man or nature driven are ones that consumers have to bear no matter how reluctantly. While the temporary respite is somewhat of a cool shower on a hot day let it not be forgotten that this is a daily phenomenon in the kitchen or roadside markets at the end of any given day. The media has not focused on such issues and there certainly is no sign of frustration being exhibited or publicised. That by itself tells a story.
The gist of it all is no one is doing us any favours. The profits came in heavily during the early season and the 'giveaway' is better than having rotting stock and losing everything. And of course the factor of impulse buying or the 'Would sir/ma'am be interested in this....' is a buffer that leads to a bonus of a different kind. Smart business what?
The writer may be reached at mahmudrahman@gmail.com