The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced the price outlook for major vegetables this month.
Due to the delayed growth due to the cold weather last month, four items such as radishes, cucumbers, and eggplants are expected to remain at high prices in the first half of this month.
According to the outlook for wholesale prices of 14 main vegetables shipped to the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the first half of this month will be lower than the average for the past five years for four items: radishes, cucumbers, eggplants, and green peppers. It is expected to remain at a high price of 20% or more.
The main reason for this is the possibility that shipments will fall below the average year due to delays in growth and harvesting in major production areas due to the effects of cold weather towards the end of last month.
However, by the second half of this month, growth will recover as the temperature rises, and prices for all vegetables will return to normal levels.
On the other hand, spinach, which is said to be relatively unaffected by the cold, is expected to be more than 20% lower than the average for the past five years, as the shipment volume will greatly exceed the average year in the second half of this month.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said, ``In the first half of this month, some items will be at high prices, but in the second half of the month, it will likely settle down to the same level as an average year.