The hot season has led to a substantial loss of banana trees, causing the price of the namwa banana variety to increase significantly in Thailand. Wholesalers predict further price hikes in the coming months. A bunch that previously sold for 20-30 baht earlier this year now goes for 50-60 baht, as detailed by Suchada Kongpunt, a banana wholesaler.
The scarcity is a result of April's intense heat and drought, which decimated young banana plants across the country. The situation is exacerbated by middlemen vying for the limited supply and the elevated fuel costs for transportation. Prices might surge to 100 baht per bunch in the near future, Kongpunt added.
Peeraphan Korthong, from the Department of Agricultural Extension, confirmed the shortage, particularly in urban centres, and noted the disparity between production costs and profits, which discourages production. At Talaad Thai, a major wholesale market, prices have been climbing since June due to reduced yields and diminished quality, attributed to the summer heat. The department anticipates prices will continue to rise or slightly decline until year-end, influenced by drought, pests, and diseases. Korthong advises growers to strategically plan planting schedules to mitigate weather and market fluctuations.
[ 10 baht = €0.26 ]
Source: bangkokpost.com