Vegetable prices at the Suva Municipal Market have experienced significant fluctuations during the off-season, challenging both vendors and consumers with surging costs and limited supply.
Vendor Anaisi Naqera pointed out that the instability in prices stems from the farmers’ influence, as they set wholesale prices according to supply and demand dynamics. Currently, a 16kg box of tomatoes is priced at $120, while lettuce is selling for $10 per kilogram. Although cucumber prices have decreased to $30 per bag, the cost of carrots has risen from $50 a bag around Christmas to $60 at the week’s start, with expectations of settling at $55.
The pricing strategies are largely dictated by the market’s primary suppliers, including farmers of Chinese and Indian descent, who continue to farm consistently despite market fluctuations. In contrast, local indigenous farmers tend to halt production when prices drop, which exacerbates the situation.
Morning negotiations among farmers also play a role, as groups often come to agreements on new prices prior to engaging with market middlemen. Although vendors like Naqera have no control over price setting, many consumers find themselves grappling with the escalating costs.
Regular market shopper Taina Tuinavitilevu expressed frustration with current prices, describing them as “ridiculous,” noting that a $5 heap of tomatoes yields a smaller quantity than before. She urged middlemen to provide better value for such high costs, despite understanding the off-season challenges.
Moreover, former farmer and market vendor Samisoni Sevakarua highlighted that recent natural disasters and flooding have further strained vegetable supplies, prompting price increases. He encouraged consumers to remain patient, as prices typically normalize after the New Year when supply stabilizes, offering a glimmer of hope for market improvement in the near future.
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