The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Taiwan reports that banana prices have surged following typhoon-induced crop damage last year. At Taipei's First and Second Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Markets, prices reached NT$107.1 (US$3.27) per kilogram, marking an 84.2% increase from NT$58.1 the previous year.
Yao Chih-wang, director of the MOA's Agriculture and Food Agency, attributed the price hike to "several typhoons" affecting key banana-growing regions, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The typhoons reduced the banana crop to "almost nothing," Yao stated.
Efforts to replant and rehabilitate banana trees are underway, but bananas require about a year to mature. Yao anticipates price stabilization with the next harvest in May or June.
Three typhoons impacted Taiwan in 2024: Typhoon Gaemi on July 25 in Yilan, Typhoon Krathon on October 3 in Kaohsiung, and Typhoon Kong-rey on October 23 in Taitung.
Besides bananas, jujube and wax apple harvests also suffered, leading to price increases. Guava prices rose 15.9% to NT$68.6 (US$2.10) per kilogram compared to last year, with a potential decrease expected in May or June.
Source: Focus Taiwan