Vegetable Prices Rise in Polman, West Sulawesi: Mustard Greens Hit Rp 25,000 and Water Spinach Rp 12,000 per Bunch

POLMAN, KOMPAS.com - Prices for several vegetable commodities at traditional markets in Polewali Mandar Regency (Polman), West Sulawesi (Sulbar), have seen a significant increase recently.

This situation is suspected to be caused by a prolonged dry season disrupting supply from farmers.

The most noticeable price hikes have been in leafy vegetables such as mustard greens and water spinach.

At Saharia's vegetable and spice stall in Wonomulyo Market, Polman, the price of mustard greens soared from Rp 12,000 to Rp 25,000 per bunch.

"It has been rising for almost a week now," Saharia told Kompas.com on Saturday (9/19/2026).

In addition to mustard greens, water spinach prices have also increased significantly.

The price of water spinach, which was previously Rp 7,000, is now Rp 12,000 per bunch.

Eggplant prices also rose from Rp 8,000 to Rp 10,000 per small plastic bag.

Suspected Causes of Price Increases

Saharia suspects the prolonged dry season has led to a reduction in supply from farmers due to crop failures.

As supply diminishes, traders have to procure commodities at higher prices than before.

"I'm not sure exactly because the prices we pay are also high, so we just follow those prices. But it seems to be the impact of the dry season," she said.

According to Saharia, the surge in vegetable prices has also affected the community’s purchasing power. The number of buyers has reportedly decreased compared to usual.

"Now it's quiet, even if there are buyers, they reduce the amount they buy. So they only buy a little at a time," she said.

Similar conditions are felt by Srikarsilia, a vegetable seller at Wonomulyo Central Market.

She said the price increases have caused a drop in the number of buyers.

"Previously, mustard greens sold for Rp 15,000 per bunch; now it's Rp 22,000 per bunch," Srikarsilia said.

Meanwhile, the price of water spinach, which was formerly Rp 5,000, is now sold by Srikarsilia at Rp 12,000 per bunch.

She also suspects that the reduced supply from farmers has contributed to rising vegetable prices.

The prolonged dry season has caused many farmers to suffer crop failures.

"Because vegetables like these need a lot of water," she explained.