Dealers in various types of vegetables and fruits in Port Harcourt have lamented the current low quantity of produce by farmers this year, blaming it on the weather.
They complained that the drought, popularly known as harmattan, has reduced the aggregate production volume in such vegetables as pumpkin, okro, and waterleaf.
According to them, the Ecuadorian banana, for instance, experienced a drastic reduction late last year due to poor harvest, which is still affecting their businesses till date,  resulting in very low production far less than both internal and external consumers’ demand.
In sperate interviews with The Tide, the dealers lamented their experiences:
Mrs Bassey Ekong, who sells perishables such as Okro, pumpkin, fresh pepper, etc. stated that the harmattan in the region and country as a whole has reduced the aggregate production volume and exports leading to scarcity, which has resulted in competitive demand for products.
Also speaking, Salifu Ibrahim, who sells carrot, green pepper, potatoes, green beans, onions, etc. said although the produce was low, those who want products during the festive season still buy things they need, but that selling her products was slower, because the few products available are more expensive.
She explained that in order not to lose out totally, she’s compelled to sometimes carry out auction sales, which, according to her, is not profitable.
On her part, Mrs Comfort Ekere, who deals in banana, pineapple, Orange, avocado, etc. stated that she experienced reduced sales during the yuletide and days into the new year.
While also attributing this to what she called consumers’ lack of knowledge of the benefits of fruits, Ekere expressed hope that after the harmattan season things would normalize.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana