Market Bag: Lettuce hits $1,800 as vendors warn of pricey Christmas

According to Jamaica Observer (General News), KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lettuce is selling for as much as $1,800 per pound at the Coronation Market, adding to concerns that Jamaicans could face a pricey Christmas as drought conditions continue to squeeze agricultural production. With the festive season fast approaching, vendors are keeping a close watch on the volume of produce entering the market amid expectations that demand will rise in the weeks leading up to Christmas. At ‘Curry’ this week, ripe bananas were selling for $1,000 per dozen, while tomatoes and sweet peppers were priced at $500 per pound. Scotch bonnet peppers climbed to $600 per pound, while onions and Irish potatoes were going for approximately $300 per pound. Sweet potatoes were selling at $400 per pound. The prices come as farmers continue to contend with drought conditions, which have affected crop production and led to concerns about the availability of local produc