As food prices continue to rise, a Nausori market vendor is encouraging families to start backyard gardens, saying even a small supply of home-grown vegetables can help ease the rising cost of living.
52-year-old Sashi Prakash of Navuso, Nausori has spent more than a decade selling vegetables at the Nausori Market and has witnessed firsthand the growing financial pressure faced by both vendors and customers.
Prakash, who sells eggplant, beans, okra, jackfruit, chillies, ginger and watermelon, says the increasing cost of vegetables is making it difficult for vendors to earn a profit while keeping produce affordable for families.
She says a bag of eggplant can cost vendors as much as $100, forcing them to carefully balance prices.
She says if they sell a heap for $5, some families cannot afford it, and if they lower the price, they do not make a profit.
Prakash says many customers who visit the market are already struggling with household expenses, and vendors often find themselves caught between rising costs and the realities faced by shoppers.
Apart from rising prices, she says vendors inside the market also face competition from people selling vegetables outside the market.
Prakash says her family also does some farming at home, however, poor drainage in their area remains a major challenge.
HINDI INSERT: Prakash on drainage challenges 4th June
Prakash believes more families could benefit from planting vegetables at home.
She says while many people have busy work schedules and limited time, even a small backyard garden can help reduce food costs and provide fresh produce for the family.
She hopes more people will consider growing their own vegetables as a practical way to cope with the increasing cost of living and ensure their families have access to healthy food.
