KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lettuce prices surged this week at the Coronation Market in Kingston, with shoppers now paying $1,400 per pound as food costs continue to rise amid worsening drought conditions across the country.

The price of the leafy vegetable is up $400 since last week, while Scotch bonnet pepper is selling for $600 per pound. Other high-priced produce includes tomatoes at $350 per pound, sweet pepper at $500 per pound and ripe bananas at $1,500 per pound.

Meanwhile, more affordable options include onions and carrots at $250 per pound, and cucumbers at $200 per pound.

In this week’s episode of Market Bag, hydroponic farmer Shemarr Henry joins host Carlysia Ramdeen during her regular market trip to discuss the benefits of hydroponic farming, as well as how drought conditions and rising food prices are affecting her farming operations, shopping habits and household budget.

Catch the latest episode of Market Bag on all Jamaica Observer digital platforms.