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

POLMAN, KOMPAS.com - Prices of several vegetable commodities at traditional markets in Polewali Mandar Regency (Polman), West Sulawesi (Sulbar), have risen significantly in recent times.

This condition is suspected to be caused by a prolonged dry season disrupting supplies from farmers.

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

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

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

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

The price of water spinach, which 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 increases

Saharia suspects that the prolonged dry season has caused a reduced supply from farmers due to crop failures.

Due to decreased supply, traders have to procure commodities at higher prices than before.

"I'm not entirely sure, but the prices we pay are higher, so we follow that. It seems to be the effect of the dry season," she explained.

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

"Currently, there are fewer buyers, and even those who come buy less. So, they're only buying in small amounts," she said.

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

She noted that rising prices have caused a decline in buyers.

"Previously, mustard greens could be sold for Rp 15,000 per bundle, now it's Rp 22,000 per bundle," said Srikarsilia.

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

She also suspects that reduced supply from farmers has contributed to the vegetable price increases.

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

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