Vientiane's vegetable prices still soaring
Vientiane's vegetable prices still soaring
The price of vegetables in Vientiane has continued to climb high when compared to the same period last year despite the fact that farmers can now plant in the dry season as well.
The farmers are enjoying much better incomes this year as prices have gone up four times during the year and now average out at 8,300 kip per kilo more than three times the 2,500 kip they were last year.
According to one farmer, Mr Lar who plants vegetables for supply to Vientiane markets, in a recent conversation with Vientiane Times , the price is still soaring as young famers are leaving their fields to work in factories and companies in the dry season.
They can earn 60,000-70,000 kip per day in such workplaces which they couldn't get from growing vegetables.
Mr Lar explained that market demand is high but the investment necessary for growing vegetables has also increased, resulting in the volume of produce falling which has driven farmers to increase their prices.
One economist said the high cost of vegetables is normal when there is a supply shortage and an increase in demand, but it will inevitably affect the cost of living for Vientiane residents as food prices continue to climb.
A good example is the cost of a bowl of noodle soup which last year was 15,000-17,000 kip but has now gone up to 20,000 -25,000 kip.
Vendors in Vientiane markets said the recent increases in the price of vegetables were due to the short supply, forcing them to change their pricing to keep pace.
Consumers said the sector responsible should monitor the situation more closely and establish appropriate policies to boost the production of goods to meet market demand.
