JEDDAH: The prices of vegetables have dropped by more than 70 percent at Jeddah's Vegetable Market “Halaqa” because of abundant supply. Naji Al-Harbi, a trader at the market, said the significant fall in prices can be attributed to the beginning of the harvest season. The prices of potatoes and onions in particular have fallen sharply, he added. Al-Harbi said some big dealers have been trying to hoard produce so that they can sell later at higher prices. Muhammad Humayyed, a wholesaler, said the prices are lower compared to last week because of the good harvest. Farmers have been selling their produce wholesale. The hot weather has also forced them to sell their produce quickly before it rots. He said there was a better harvest this year because of the heavy rain over most parts of the Kingdom. However, he criticized supermarkets for sticking to the old prices, despite the current abundant supply.
