Jalpaiguri, 03 November (H.S.). Amid a steep rise in vegetable prices triggered by recent natural calamities, the Agriculture Marketing Department has rolled out fair-price mobile markets under the ‘Sufal Bangla’ initiative to provide relief to consumers in Jalpaiguri.

The intervention follows the October 05 floods, which caused widespread farming losses across the district. The situation deteriorated further after Cyclone Montha, as heavy rain damaged standing crops — including cauliflower, cabbage, brinjals, and tomatoes — due to prolonged waterlogging of farmlands.

With a supply shortage pushing retail prices upward, residents have been struggling to manage their kitchen budgets. The newly launched Sufal Bangla vehicles at Boyelkhana and Indira Colony markets have already witnessed a strong turnout, offering vegetables at significantly lower prices compared to regular markets.

Assistant Director of Agricultural Marketing Debanjan Palit said the initiative aims not only to assist distressed farmers but also to ensure that essential vegetables remain accessible to the public. He confirmed that similar mobile markets will operate in multiple areas of the district in the coming days.

Officials believe the move will help stabilize prices and provide timely support to both producers and consumers affected by the crisis.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh