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

POLMAN, KOMPAS.com - The prices of several vegetable commodities at traditional markets in Polewali Mandar Regency (Polman), West Sulawesi (Sulbar), have seen a significant increase in recent times.

This condition is suspected to be triggered by a prolonged dry season disrupting supply from farmers.

The price hike is most noticeable in leafy greens such as mustard greens and water spinach.

At the vegetable and spice stall owned by Saharia in Wonomulyo Market, Polman, the price of mustard greens surged from Rp 12,000 to Rp 25,000 per bundle.

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

Besides mustard greens, water spinach prices have also increased significantly.

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

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

Suspected Cause of Price Increase

Saharia suspects the price hike is caused by the long dry season leading to reduced supply from farmers due to crop failures.

With reduced supply, traders have to purchase commodities at higher prices than before.

"I'm not exactly sure, because the prices we buy at are also expensive, so we just follow those prices. But it seems to be due to the impact of the dry season," he said.

According to Saharia, the surge in vegetable prices is also affecting people's purchasing power. The number of buyers has reportedly decreased compared to usual.

"Now, fewer customers come, and even those who do reduce their purchase quantities. So they buy only small amounts," he added.

A similar situation was experienced by Srikarsilia, a vegetable vendor at Wonomulyo Central Market.

He said the price increases have caused a decline in buyer numbers.

"Previously, mustard greens could be sold at Rp 15,000 per bundle; now the price is Rp 22,000 per bundle," Srikarsilia said.

Meanwhile, water spinach, which was previously Rp 5,000, is now sold by Srikarsilia at Rp 12,000 per bundle.

He also suspects that the reduced supply from farmers contributes to the vegetable price increases.

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

"Because these vegetables really need a lot of water," he explained.