Food prices surge

Continuous heavy rains around the country have destroyed gardens, leading to a surge in food prices in Kigali, a mini survey carried out by the Business Times revealed. The survey carried out around Kigali City markets indicates that vegetables were affected most with prices almost doubling on some commodities. Irish potatoes have increased from Rwf100 at the end of 2009 to the current market price of Rwf130 per Kg while Matooke rose to Rwf160 from Rwf130. Cassava is selling at Rwf200 from Rwf150. Other commodities like rice, ground nuts and sugar increased from Rwf600 to Rwf750, Rwf500 to Rwf1,000 and Rwf600 to Rwf800 per Kg respectively. Harriet Mukaruringo, a vendor in Kimironko market who is commonly know as mama Yves attributes the hike in food prices to the heavy rains the country has experienced in the last months. “Heavy rains have destroyed crops leading to rotting of the perishable commodities,” she said. There is a scarcity of vegetables on the market. French beans rose to Rwf600 from Rwf400 in the period under review while green paper is selling at Rwf500 from Rwf300 per Kg as peas more than doubled from Rwf500 to Rwf1,200 per Kg. Tomatoes are selling at Rwf400 from Rwf300 a Kg. Traders said that prices of carrots have however remained relatively stable and that there is enough supply of the commodity. Ends

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Food prices surge