The current vegetable market in Mauritius is experiencing a mix of trends. According to Kailash Ramdharry, spokesperson for the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperative, Organic Network (FALCON), most vegetables are being sold at affordable prices due to good climatic conditions and increased cultivated areas. This has led to a notable decrease in prices. For example, carrots are now selling for Rs 10-15 per half kilogram, down from Rs 25 a month ago.
Other vegetables, such as gourds, have also seen a price drop, from Rs 20-25 to Rs 10-15. The price of field-grown love apples has decreased to Rs 25-30, from Rs 40-50 previously. However, some vegetables are becoming increasingly scarce due to irregular planting. These include voëme, patole, pipangaille, and lalo, which are now difficult to find in the market.
The scarcity of these vegetables has resulted in higher prices. For instance, lalo is now selling for Rs 225 per half kilogram, while voëme costs between Rs 80 and Rs 90. Other rare vegetables, such as pipangaille and margoze, are selling for Rs 60 per half kilogram. Sanjay, a farmer at the Flacq market, attributes the scarcity to neglected cultivation, which has reduced supply and increased pressure on prices.
Some commonly consumed vegetables are also experiencing price hikes. For example, chouchou, which was selling for Rs 10-15 a month ago, now costs Rs 25-30. The highly demanded piment has increased in price from Rs 40 to Rs 70 per half kilogram. Despite these changes, prices remain relatively stable for now.
However, the upcoming Hindu community's fasting period may lead to increased demand and, subsequently, higher prices. Consumers should expect adjustments in prices due to seasonal variations and demand fluctuations. The current market prices for various vegetables are as follows: pomme d'amour (earth) - Rs 25-30, pomme d'amour (greenhouse) - Rs 40-50, gourds - Rs 15, carrots - Rs 15, and cabbage - Rs 40 per unit.
A range of vegetables are available in the market, including haricot vert for Rs 75, brède cresson for Rs 30, and brède tom pouce for Rs 25 per packet. Other prices include calebasse for Rs 25-40, aubergine for Rs 30, and concombre vert for Rs 20 per unit. The variety of available vegetables and their prices reflect the current market situation in Mauritius.
As the market continues to fluctuate, consumers and farmers alike are keeping a close eye on the situation. With the fasting period approaching, it remains to be seen how prices will be affected. For now, the market offers a range of vegetables at various price points, reflecting both the abundance and scarcity of certain produce.
Key points
- Vegetable prices in Mauritius have decreased due to abundant harvests.
- Some vegetables, such as voëme, patole, pipangaille, and lalo, are becoming scarce.
- Prices may increase during the upcoming Hindu community's fasting period.
