Changes in agricultural commodity prices and household consumption of skilled workforce after COVID-19 movement restrictions in Bangladesh
11 affiliations
- 1School of Economics, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
- 2Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems, International Rice Research Institute
- 3Department of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University
- 4School of Law, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
- 5Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, The University of Arkansas
- 6Davis College of Agriculture, West Virginia University
- 7Department of Agriculture, Texas State University
- 8Department of Agricultural Economics and Policy, Sylhet Agricultural University
- 9Agricultural Economics Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
- 10Agricultural Statistics Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
- 11Impact, Policy, and Foresight Department, International Rice Research Institute
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented disruptions in both the demand and supply of agricultural commodities, leading to marked volatility in agricultural commodity prices following movement restrictions. These price fluctuations have significant implications for household consumption patterns where household budgets are highly sensitive to food costs and there is substantial dependence on agricultural imports. Drawing on primary and secondary data, this study fills a critical gap by assessing how movement restrictions influenced agricultural prices and affected the consumption behaviors of skilled workforce households. Findings reveal that transportation disruptions and labor shortages were primary factors driving up the prices of essential commodities. Importantly, 78–88% of respondents, regardless of their lockdown zone, reported fluctuations in food prices. Although prices spiked post-lockdown, there was no evidence of structural breaks or sustained volatility. Only half of respondents had sufficient food stock to last a week during lockdown, and while approximately 70% reported no change in income, 32.3% saw a reduction in consumption expenditure. Most respondents relied on personal savings and salaries, with minimal government assistance. The study also identified a prevalent tendency to shop at nearby markets and noted shifts in consumption behavior among women, non-farm workers, and middle-income households (earning 25,000–50,000 BDT). The study confirms the agricultural market’s vulnerability to sudden shocks, highlighting persistent price instability as increases continue even for four years post-pandemic. Policymakers are urged to implement targeted food access programs, expand financial safety nets, and invest in local food supply chains and sustainable agricultural practices to bolster resilience and stabilize essential commodity prices.
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BibTeX
@article{sarkar2026changes,
title = {{Changes in agricultural commodity prices and household consumption of skilled workforce after COVID-19 movement restrictions in Bangladesh}},
author = {Md Abdur Rouf Sarkar and Mou Rani Sarker and M. Nahid Sattar and Thi Mai Thuong Nguyen and Andrew M. McKenzie and Tanjum Afrin Taj and Abu Ahamed Sabbir and Kanij Fatema and Mohammad Chhiddikur Rahman and Md Abdullah Al Mamun and Mohammad Ariful Islam and Md Shajedur Rahaman and Md. Salman and Humnath Bhandari},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-64163-x},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-64163-x},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Changes in agricultural commodity prices and household consumption of skilled workforce after COVID-19 movement restrictions in Bangladesh
AU - Md Abdur Rouf Sarkar
AU - Mou Rani Sarker
AU - M. Nahid Sattar
AU - Thi Mai Thuong Nguyen
AU - Andrew M. McKenzie
AU - Tanjum Afrin Taj
AU - Abu Ahamed Sabbir
AU - Kanij Fatema
AU - Mohammad Chhiddikur Rahman
AU - Md Abdullah Al Mamun
AU - Mohammad Ariful Islam
AU - Md Shajedur Rahaman
AU - Md. Salman
AU - Humnath Bhandari
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-64163-x
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-64163-x
AB - The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented disruptions in both the demand and supply of agricultural commodities, leading to marked volatility in agricultural commodity prices following movement restrictions. These price fluctuations have significant implications for household consumption patterns where household budgets are highly sensitive to food costs and there is substantial dependence on agricultural imports. Drawing on primary and secondary data, this study fills a critical gap by assessing how movement restrictions influenced agricultural prices and affected the consumption behaviors of skilled workforce households. Findings reveal that transportation disruptions and labor shortages were primary factors driving up the prices of essential commodities. Importantly, 78–88% of respondents, regardless of their lockdown zone, reported fluctuations in food prices. Although prices spiked post-lockdown, there was no evidence of structural breaks or sustained volatility. Only half of respondents had sufficient food stock to last a week during lockdown, and while approximately 70% reported no change in income, 32.3% saw a reduction in consumption expenditure. Most respondents relied on personal savings and salaries, with minimal government assistance. The study also identified a prevalent tendency to shop at nearby markets and noted shifts in consumption behavior among women, non-farm workers, and middle-income households (earning 25,000–50,000 BDT). The study confirms the agricultural market’s vulnerability to sudden shocks, highlighting persistent price instability as increases continue even for four years post-pandemic. Policymakers are urged to implement targeted food access programs, expand financial safety nets, and invest in local food supply chains and sustainable agricultural practices to bolster resilience and stabilize essential commodity prices.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -