There is a general downward slide in the prices of food commodities in Taraba markets, according to a survey.
A correspondent who visited some markets in the state reports that the prices of most food commodities have been reduced to half of their 2024 cost currently.
In Mallum Market of Ardo Kola Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, a 50kg bag of maize is now being sold for N20,000, compared to N45,000 last year. Its measure, which was previously sold at N1,500, now costs N500.
Also, a 50kg bag of soybeans sold for N90,000 in the period under review has gone down to N45,000, and a measure now goes for N1,000 against the previous price of N2,500.
Similarly, a 50kg bag of white beans is now selling for N60,000, down from its previous price of N120,000, while a bag of brown beans has nosedived to N55,000, down from its previous price of N125,000.
Five medium-sized tubers of yams are now selling for N8,000 against last year’s price of N12,000.
Equally, a measure of red garri is now being sold for N1,500, while white garri is now priced at N1,200.
A measure of cassava flour (elubo) now sells for N200, down from its previous price of N600, as a complete bag now costs N8,000, down from its previous price of N18,000.
Usman Jahun, a trader in Mallum Market, expressed concern that despite the sharp drop in prices of food commodities in the market, turnover remained low due to poor patronage.
Mr Jahun attributed the poor sales to low purchasing power from buyers.
Patricia Yahaya, another trader in yams and other produce, observed that yam prices were still fluctuating because farmers did not enjoy bumper harvests in the produce as they did in grains.
According to Ms Yahaya, however, the current price of yams is not too different from its cost in 2024.
The measuring bowl in some states in the North East, such as Taraba and Adamawa, is almost two times the size of the one in most northern states and the FCT.
NAN
