Residents in the Northern Province, celebrated the festive season with a sigh of relief following a reduction in food prices compared to the previous year.For instance a kilogramme of Irish Potatoes cost between Rwf100 and Rwf120 in Musanze Market and other markets in the Province, down from Rwf170. A kilogramme of beans cost Rwf300 in various markets while a kilogramme of peas goes for Rwf500 down from Rwf600. The price of vegetables also significantly reduced. A kilogramme of tomatoes costs Rwf600, carrots Rwf400, while other vegetables measured in medium buckets cost less than Rwf 600 a bucket.The price reduction has been attributed to good harvests due to timely rains. “We are happy because we are buying food at cheaper prices. I wish things continue like this,” Amina Uwineza, a resident of Musanze said.However a kilogramme of bananas goes for Rwf300 which is high compared to other foodstuffs.The price of passion fruits is also low, ranging between Rwf700 and 1000.The Ministry of Agriculture has assured people that there are no anticipated problems in terms of food pricing with the ongoing rains and farming methods in use.“We are not worried because of the crops we planted this year and the use of fertilisers which many farmers had access to thanks to support from local Saccos (savings and credit cooperatives) and local leaders. The only way prices could start increasing is if the rains do not continue but there are enough reserves to support if necessary,” the minister told this paper earlier this week.
