Nearly 70 per cent of vegetables have recorded price reductions - Green

Despite one of the driest periods for agriculture, with at least half of Jamaica's parishes experiencing lower rainfall than their 30-year-average, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green today informed that there has been a major reduction in the prices of some fruits and vegetables, a benefit for consumers.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Green said nearly 70 per cent of vegetables saw price reductions, some by as much as 66 per cent.

Sweet pepper was down 66%, from $1,293 per kilogramme in December, to J$440 per kilogramme in January, he reported.

Lettuce and tomato prices also dropped 44 per cent and 40 per cent from $688 to $384, and from J$1,100/kg to J$660/kg, respectively.

Meanwhile, pak choi and carrot prices also saw a reduction of 22 per cent and 33 per cent, showing a price reduction from J$267/kg to J$209/kg and J%660/kg to J$440/kg, respectively.

Pak choi price reduction, he noted, was bolstered by increased production in Clarendon and St Ann.

Other essential vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, string beans and cabbage also recorded price reductions ranging from nine per cent to 23%.

This downward trend is expected to continue, bringing relief to consumers, Green said.

He, however, expressed concerns about the prices of some produce in the market.

"While vegetable prices have declined, there are some fruit lines that continue to be challenged based on the weather patterns, those include our melons and cantaloupes. We are seeing the recovery of our banana crops with ripe bananas re-emerging," he shared, commending the hard work of farmers who remain resilient during the tough periods, bringing relief to consumers.

He noted that plantain prices that peaked at $330/kg in December have since dropped seven per cent to $307/kg in January and pineapple (cowboy) showed remarkable consistency with a six per cent decline from $352/kg to $330/kg.

"Madam Speaker, this recovery is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate action by this government to support our farmers. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, in collaboration with RADA and our other agencies, we have provided the critical inputs needed to rebuild production capacity and mitigate losses," said Green.

Warning of drier months ahead, namely February, March and July, the agriculture minister said steps are already being put in place to combat the challenges.

These include the provision of water trucks to the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon, at a cost of $30 million.

Beyond that, he said the ministry plans to invest in sustainable water solutions for farmers, through the procurement of water tanks and drip irrigation hoses, pond liners, and grass mulch, among other initiatives.

The comprehensive response is backed by a $134 million budget, he noted.

- Corey Robinson Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.