TUMPAT: Vegetable prices are expected to stabilise in three months’ time after the northeast monsoon season ends, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said that unpredictable weather has reduced the supply of vegetables, leading to price hikes.
“This issue will arise every monsoon season. We have received reports indicating a rise in vegetable prices.
“We anticipate the situation will be resolved by March next year, with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) playing a key role in ensuring adequate vegetable supply in affected states,” he told reporters at an event yesterday.
He said initial losses in Kelantan’s agricultural sector due to floods since last month has been estimated at RM33.2mil, affecting 4,888 individuals, reported Bernama.
Giving the breakdown, the minister said a total of 10,229.12ha of agricultural land were impacted, including 9,958.3ha of padi fields.
At the event, Mohamad distributed Phase 2 of the special cash assistance to 10,628 padi farmers in Kelantan affected by this year’s floods, amounting to RM6.3mil.
Last month, a vegetable suppliers association said prices of certain vegetables have gone up by 30% to 40% due to the gloomy weather.
Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesalers’ Association president Wong Keng Fatt cited lettuce was priced at RM3per kg on Nov 21 but doubled to RM6 over the weekend.
He added that the bad weather has adversely affected tomato yields due to a lack of sunshine.
This has pushed its price from RM2 to RM4 per kg due to limited harvest in Cameron Highlands, he added.
