Vegetable prices expected to rise 20-30 pct due to northeast monsoon

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JOHOR BARU: Vegetable prices in the country are expected to increase by 20 to 30 per cent due to the effects of the northeast monsoon which started this month.

Malaysian Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association president Lim Ser Kwee said adverse weather conditions are expected to reduce the supply of vegetables by up to 15 per cent in affected states, particularly in states with low-lying areas.

He told Berita Harian that this anticipated reduction in supply is due to lower-than-usual yields as heavy rain can hinder vegetable growth. He said low-lying regions could also face flooding.

“We anticipate that vegetable prices will rise between 20 and 30 per cent during the monsoon season, which is now impacting the country.

“However, this increase is not significant, as current vegetable prices are relatively low.

“For example, the wholesale price of mustard greens is around 80 sen per kilogram. Even with a 20 to 30 per cent increase, the price hike will be minimal.

“Nevertheless, farmers are concerned that heavy rains and potential flooding, which could submerge vegetable farms between November and March, and would drive prices even higher and lead to a more significant disruption in supply,” he told Berita Harian during a phone interview.

CLUSTERS OF HEAVY RAIN

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said on on Nov 1 that the northeast monsoon was expected to begin yesterday and would continue until March.

Its director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said this season is projected to bring five to seven clusters of heavy rainfall.

The initial phase of the northeast monsoon over the next two months is expected to lead to heavy rainfall episodes in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah.

In January and February, heavy rainfall is more likely to impact Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah.

Meanwhile, Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association president Lau Weng Soon said heavy rain generally affects the quality of vegetables and reduces yield.

He said this will likely result in an anticipated price increase of 20 to 30 per cent.

“However, several new farms have recently been established in Cameron Highlands, and we hope that the impact of the northeast monsoon will not severely affect the vegetable supply from these highland areas.

“Most vegetable farms affected by the northeast monsoon are located in lowland states such as Johor, Melaka, Perak, and Penang, where the risk of flooding is more pronounced,” he said.
-NewStraitsTime