Vegetable prices shoot up in Mogadishu as drought ravages the country

Vegetable prices have skyrocketed in Mogadishu in the recent months thanks to the drought which has ravaged many parts of the country.

Retailers in the city say the supply of vegetables which is mainly from Lower and Middle Shabelle regions has reduced significantly and the little they get is not the best quality.

Some of the vegetable sellers in Mogadishu told Goobjoog News that the effect of the drought that hit many parts of the country is evident in the vegetable and fruit markets.

The vegetable and other farm products prices have gone up by 70 to 100 per cent in the wholesale markets in Mogadishu due to short supply.

Banana and pawpaw prices have also gone up. Similarly, beans which retailed at $0.5 per kilogram six  months ago now sell for $1.5 dollars per kg.

Watermelon production has also taken a hit due to poor rains and so is mango whose supply is not expected to increase soon since it takes time before it is ready for consumption.

Lower Shabelle crop farmers relying on irrigation for the farms along River Shabelle – the only river in the region – counted loses after the river dried up.