Fresh vegetable prices have been climbing at markets across Samoa in recent weeks, with farmers pointing to a combination of wet weather, higher production costs and reduced harvests as the main reasons behind the increases.
Vendors at several markets said common vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, Chinese cabbage and lettuce are selling for more than they were a month ago, with some shoppers opting to buy smaller quantities to stay within their budgets.
Farmer Lefau Taito of Puipa'a said repeated heavy rain had damaged crops before they were ready for harvest, leaving less produce available for sale.
"When the rain continues for days, many vegetables rot in the ground or develop disease," he said. "We harvest less, but we still have to pay for seeds, fertilizer and transport. Those costs have all increased."
Another grower, Iosua Anetone of A'ana, said labour shortages and rising fuel prices have also contributed to higher prices.
