Nicaragua: Potato and tomato prices are low in Estelí and Somoto
Potato producers in Miraflor are facing a drop in prices before marketing their harvest, while tomato prices continue to decline in Somoto.
The irrigated potato planted in the Miraflor area, one of the main production areas for this tuber, is about to be released to local markets in Estelí. However, some producers are concerned about the drop in price before the harvest is marketed, which could affect their income.
Ariel Irías, a producer in the area, said that this drop in prices mainly impacts those farmers who produce on a smaller scale, who depend on a higher price to cover their production costs.
Currently, a pound of potatoes at the Alfredo Lazo market in Estelí is selling for between 20 and 25 córdobas, 10 córdobas less than in previous days.
Meanwhile, in Somoto, the price of tomatoes continues to fall on the local market, according to Franklin Ramírez, a wholesale trader. Last week, a pound of tomatoes was sold for between 25 and 20 córdobas, while this week the price has dropped to between 20 and 15 córdobas, depending on the quality.
"This is all good news for consumers, as they save a bit of money. We hope that the prices of these perishable items that housewives use every day will continue to fall," said Ramírez.
Ramírez, who is also a horticulturist, explained that during the summer season, planting potatoes, peppers and tomatoes requires less investment in insecticides, which allows for saving money compared to the winter season, when the presence of insects that affect plantations increases.
Fuente:
