The Labasa Market is currently facing a significant shortage of farm produce, primarily due to a decrease in available supplies. According to Waisea Mukulau, the President of the Labasa Market Vendors Association, this trend has emerged as more farmers opt to sell their goods independently. Additionally, there has been a general decline in farming activities throughout the Northern Division.
Mukulau warns that customers should prepare for an even greater decline in the supply of root crops and vegetables in the coming days. He notes, “There is a shortage of farm produce in the Labasa Market in the past months. Most times, customers go home unsatisfied because there’s nothing available. So we are urging young farmers to plant more, because demand here at the Labasa Market is always high.”
Among the crops, cassava has remained the most sought-after, even as prices rise. Mukulau encourages local farmers to increase cassava production to meet the steady demand from consumers.
In addition to these challenges, farmer Maciu Navitilevu from Seaqaqa highlights that many farmers are now exploring alternative markets that offer more profitable opportunities compared to the municipal market. Recent heavy rainfall has also significantly impacted vegetable farms in the North, further contributing to the diminished supply in local markets.
Moreover, some farmers are opting to supply their produce directly to supermarkets, which indicates a shift in selling strategies amidst the ongoing supply challenges. This evolution in the market landscape offers both hurdles and opportunities for farmers to adapt to the changing conditions.
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