We are looking for a solution as there is a shortage of vegetables and prices have increased – Dr Reddy

Minister for Agriculture Doctor Mahendra Reddy says the ministry knows that there is a shortage in vegetable supply in the last 4 weeks and the supply issue will remain going forward as heavy rain and flooding will affect the flowering of vegetables.

Doctor Reddy has told Fijivillage that the Agriculture Marketing Authority will move in again to bulk buy vegetables at the borders in Suva as serious concerns continue to be raised on the exorbitant prices.

He says the ministry is conducting its own survey and they hope to make further announcements soon.

Doctor Reddy says he is aware of the concerns raised by FCCC, the Consumer Council and consumers.

He reveals that the Agriculture Marketing Authority withdrew from the borders in Suva on Saturday after the market vendors raised concerns. Doctor Reddy says things have gone worse after they withdrew.

Fijivillage has noticed vegetable supply to our local markets has reduced.

In some markets in the lockdown areas, cabbage, bean, coriander, bele, and even fruits are not being sold or there is a shortage of supply.

When we asked some vendors on why there is a shortage, they say that supply of this produce by farmers is less.

A Sigatoka farmer who sells his produce to some markets vendors in Suva and Sigatoka says vegetables are mostly damaged by the weather we are currently experiencing.

He says this weather is a breeding ground for pests and diseases and also collecting seedlings is sometimes hard as these seeds are been damaged by consistent rainfall.