In Malaysia, the Northeast Monsoon is expected to cause vegetable prices to triple in November and December due to heavy rainfall and flooding in various regions. Datuk Syed Abd Rahman Syed Abd Rashid, Chairman of the Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association, reported to Berita Harian that vegetable prices at the farm level have already increased by 20 to 50 percent in the past week. This surge includes a range of vegetables such as tomatoes, which have seen a price increase from RM1.50 per kilogram to RM2.30 per kilogram, as well as spring onions, kailan, mustard greens, choi sum, cucumbers, eggplants, and green beans.
The anticipated price hikes are attributed to the weather conditions that have accelerated the spread of fungal diseases and affected vegetable yields. Leafy vegetables grown without protected housing have suffered damage due to the heavy rainfall, leading to increased pesticide use as a preparation for the monsoon season. Farmers are resorting to pesticides to mitigate potential damage to their crops during this period.
Source: malaymail