The production of plantain is fluctuating owing to the Black Sigatoka disease, which sees the produce deformed and abnormal with lower bunches being produced; this is affecting the local market, influencing price and causing a strain on the common man.
Stabroek News had investigated the two major markets (Bourda and Stabroek) before and reported that the prices ranged from $160 to $240 per pound. Upon further investigation yesterday it was revealed that the prices have dropped significantly.
At Bourda Market plantains are being sold for as low as $110 per pound wholesale and $160 retail but only in the evening. During the day the price ranges from $160 to $200 and you can get any amount.
The vendors at that market said that the cost of the plantain has dropped.
At Stabroek market the commodity is selling at a reasonable price ranging from $100 to $160 per pound. But it is not readily available and the very young plantains are going for $100 so the vendors would not incur any losses. Some vendors at this market say that they are being affected because of the shortage of their supplies and unfortunately some are not able to sell in wholesale quantity.
Black Sigatoka also known as black leaf streak is a leaf spot disease that damages banana and plantain suckers causing 50% lower yields in the fruit.
This can be controlled the application of fungicides, good drainage, sufficient spacing and the removal of the affected leaves.
