Bangladesh, July 24 -- As I had feared, the situation is unfolding much as expected. Recent heavy rainfall and flooding have damaged not only the Aus paddy crop and Aman seedbeds but also extensive areas of vegetable cultivation.

The effects are already visible in local markets, where vegetable prices have begun to rise.

For the moment, supplies from flood-free regions are helping to keep the market stable, but traders believe the pressure is likely to continue for at least the next two months.

There are also legitimate concerns that heavy rainfall may persist throughout the Bengali months of Shraban and Bhadra.

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