Prices for locally produced tomatoes in Kurdistan Region drop after recent surge
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Recent fluctuations in the price of tomatoes in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) markets have caught the attention of local consumers. After experiencing a significant increase, the price of domestic tomatoes has notably decreased.
For several days, the price of a kilogram of domestic tomatoes had surged to between 1,600 and 2,000 dinars. However, as of today, the price has dropped considerably to around 1,000 dinars.
Ahmad Jameel, Director General of Agriculture in Duhok, informed Kurdistan24 on Sunday, August 18, 2024, that the recent price decrease is a result of reduced exports of tomatoes from the Kurdistan Region to other provinces. He explained that the price had previously risen due to the export of tomatoes and a temporary suspension of Iranian tomato imports, which had driven prices up to approximately 2,000 dinars per kilogram.
Kamal Mohammed, a local fruit and vegetable vendor, echoed Jameel's comments, noting that the price of tomatoes has now stabilized between 1,000 and 1,100 dinars. Mohammed anticipates that prices may fall further in the near future, potentially reaching between 500 and 700 dinars per kilogram.
Each year, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources imposes temporary bans on the import of certain agricultural products, including tomatoes, to support local farmers. This practice contributes to price volatility in the market.
Today's prices of some agricultural products in the Kurdistan Region are as follows:
- Tomatoes: 700 to 1,100 dinars
- Aubergine: 800 to 1,000 dinars
- Cucumber: 600 to 700 dinars
- Okra: 2,000 to 3,000 dinars
- Garlic: 2,200 to 2,500 dinars
- Lettuce: 600 to 700 dinars
- Red Cabbage: 450 to 600 dinars
- White Cabbage: 450 to 600 dinars
- Beans: 1,250 to 1,500 dinars
- Bell Peppers (all colors except green): 2,500 to 3,000 dinars
- Green Pepper: 500 to 700 dinars
As market conditions continue to evolve, consumers and vendors alike will be monitoring these price trends closely.