By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
REGIONAL
Prices of Matooke in several areas in Kabale municipality have shoot up as demand increases due to low production and supply.
A bunch of banana fruit has increased to between Ugx20,000 and Ugx50,000 from shillings 7,000 to Shs20,000 and prices varry depending on the size.
Immaculate Tumwesigye, a trader dealing in Matooke in Kabale Central Market blames the increase in prices on low supply.
“Farmers in Kahondo and Maziba Subcounties no longer supply in large quantities yet the demand for Matooke keeps shooting up resulting into price fluctuations,” she said
Another trader only identified as David said traders have now resorted to look for bananas from neighbouring districts like Ntugamo, Isingiro and Mbarara at a higher cost prompting them to double the prices for consumers.
Frederick Tudyatemba a farmer in Rwakiihazi cell, Kavu parish in Maziba sub county, Kabale district says that in two months he would produce 20 bunches of banana per week but this has drastically declined to less than 4 bunches because of the current food insecurity that started at the end of September this year.
He added, this led to low productivity in bananas since the demand is high.
