Food prices drop in Northern province #rwanda

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.