Market Bag: Food prices cool after rains, but vendor warns of reversal

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers can expect some relief this week as prices for several agricultural produce items have declined, following recent rainfall that has eased prolonged drought conditions. During this week’s visit to the Coronation Market, tomatoes were selling for $300 per pound, down from $400 last week, while carrots fell from $500 to $350 per pound. Onions and Irish potatoes also recorded price reductions, with both selling for $200 per pound, compared with $250 last week. Sweet peppers remained steady at $400 per pound, while sweet potatoes continued to sell for $450 per pound. Scotch bonnet peppers remained among the pricier items at $600 per pound, while lettuce, despite recording a significant 33 per cent price drop from last week, was still selling for $1,000 per pound. Meanwhile, with the Christmas season approaching, sorrel has begun making an appearance in the market, selling for $700 per pound. Speaking with Market Bag host Carlysia Ramdeen, a farmer explained that the recent rainfall had encouraged small-scale farmers to return to their fields, potentially leading to an increase in agricultural supplies and further price reductions. He cautioned, however, that prolonged rainfall could damage crops and disrupt production, potentially driving prices back up during the Christmas period despite the relief currently being experienced by shoppers. Catch the latest episode of Market Bag on all

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