Bangladeshi manufacturers and traders expect lower sales of popular traditional clothing lungis and saris this Eid season owing to low crop prices. Both are commonly shopped products during the festive season by people belonging to lower-income category, especially the 15.3 million farm households.

Experts point out that the sales of these items are directly linked to the condition of rural economy. When the domestic economy is positive, sales of such commonly used clothing increase. But this year, farmers have not been able to make any money due to fall in crop prices. Overall sales figures are expected to fall by 25-30 per cent this Eid against last year. Islampur in Old Dhaka and Baburhat Bazar in Narsingdi are the major wholesale markets for locally-made low-priced lungis and saris.

According to additional research director at the local think tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Khondaker Golam Moazzem, prices of major crops have a direct impact on the farm- based rural economy and decline in prices during Boro and potato seasons has reduced the rural purchasing power.