Ministry’s Policy Change : Veggies to Cost 25% More

In a bid to ensure stability in the local vegetable market, the Ministry of Agro-Industry is considering implementing a price increase policy, drawing inspiration from the existing model for potatoes and onions.

Responding to a query from the leader of the Rassemblement Maurice, Nando Bodha, Minister of Agro-Industry Mahen Seeruttun emphasized that all products imported by the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB) are sold at subsidized prices to the public.

A markup of around 22 to 25% is applied to the cost prices of potatoes and onions, with wholesale prices set by the AMB and retail prices set by the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection.

The minister expressed a willingness to extend this policy to other products.

To address the shortage of certain vegetables, 972 import permits have been issued for the importation of approximately 865 tonnes of vegetables from January to March 20, 2023.

Among the vegetables are carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, bell peppers, lettuce, beans, beetroot, broccoli, herbs, and chili peppers.

The minister anticipates that local vegetable production should return to normal levels by May 2024, announcing that no new imports will be made after this date.

Source: Defi Media