KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers at local markets could see higher prices over the next few weeks as vendors report growing shortages of agricultural produce due to drought conditions affecting the island.

According to vendors, several items have become increasingly difficult to source, including Irish potatoes, now selling for $350 per pound; sweet potatoes at $250; pumpkins at $300; and lettuce at $1,000. Carrots, priced at $400 per pound, and sweet peppers ($600) are being imported to help meet demand.

Vendors say the reduced supply has also pushed up the prices of onions ($250) and other produce, with consumers expected to feel the impact.

One vendor told Market Bag host Carlysia Ramdeen that the lack of rainfall has made it difficult for some crops to survive, particularly water-dependent produce such as pumpkins and sweet peppers.

“Pumpkins cannot withstand the heat because pumpkins need water so because of the drought, we don’t have pumpkins. Peppers can’t grow without water. Sweet peppers cannot grow without water. So, the drought is really affecting the market,” she said.

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