As a result of low yields due to low temperatures and pest infestations, tomatoes, chilis and capsicums from Cameron Highlands will cost nearly 70% more soon. However, prices for leafy greens such as mustard greens, bok choy and iceberg lettuce are going down as there was a bumper harvest for these crops.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said vegetables such as tomatoes, french beans, chilis, capsicum, Japanese cucumber and spinach are affected by the cold snap: “Fruit flies and the low temperatures are affecting the crops. Harvests for such vegetables are low, as farmers need to spend more to protect the crops from being damaged,” he said, adding that temperatures hover between 22 degrees C during the day and between 15-16 degrees at night. Such temperatures and a balanced mix of rain and sunshine were perfect growing conditions for leafy vegetables, he said.
Source: thestar.com.my
