Boost in production lowers prices of bananas in Ngara

Dar es Salaam. Consumers are paying less to obtain green bananas in Ngara District, Kagera Region following the fall in both wholesale and retail prices of the commodity.

The fall in consumer prices is due to bumper harvests in different parts of the district, which started two months ago.

The farm gate wholesale price for a bunch of banana is now ranging between Sh5,000 and Sh10,000 down from Sh25,000 recorded in November last year, while retail prices have also decreased to Sh13,000 at Ngara main food market.

Banana traders at Ngara market said one bunch of indigenous and the most locally-demanded banana variety also fell to Sh18,000 from Sh30,000 recorded in November last year, which is a 45 per cent decrease.

The decrease in prices has also attracted many traders from different parts of the country including Kahama, Singida and Dodoma to flock to farms to buy the commodity.

However, the increased harvests have also caused an increase in post- harvest losses of the crop as many rot in farms due to lack of markets because many roads are impassable.

The post-harvest losses are being experienced in various areas, mainly Kanazi and Nyamiaga wards, farmers say.

Mr Abdulaziz Ismail, a trader at Kabanga town said they have opted to use bicycles to transport the commodity from the main producing area, which takes too long to reach markets.

However, he said they have decided to seek markets in neighbouring country of Burundi, but demands are still low than what is produced.

The district agricultural officer Mr Constantine Mudende has advised farmers to plant new banana varieties including Fia 17 and Fia 23, which have high yields.