Lemon, orange, tangerine off season

By Stella Nassuna

It is now two weeks since the supply of lemons in various markets dropped. Traders say they are depending on supplies from Soroti and Tanzania.

By close of last week, the price of lemon rose tremendously. In Nakasero, Nakawa, Owino, Kalerwe and Kibuye markets, four to five lemons were being sold at sh1,000. Previously, between 10 to 15 lemons cost the same price. A kilogram on the other hand rose from sh800 to over sh2,000.

This may seem a good time for traders, but Albert Kimera, a lemon trader in Nakasero market is going through a hard time. He says the lemons that come from Tanzania rot much faster than those coming from the Busoga region.

Tangerines and oranges
By close of week, it was almost impossible to find fresh tangerines and oranges in the market. The tangerines were being sold expensively, with just five big tangerines costing sh2,000 and four to five small ones costing sh1,000. 

Three big oranges or five small oranges were costing sh1,000.

How to cope
Do not buy in bulk

Alex Twesigomwe, a fruits seller in Nakawa market, says the big lemons ripen and rot quickly. He advises people to only buy what they will use  for a day or week at most.

Buy green
Twesigomwe explains that due to the long distance, the oranges and lemons may ripen in transit.

He advises people to purchase green lemons and oranges, especially if you are not going to consume them immediately.

Plant a lemon, tangerine or orange tree

He says having a tree in one’s backyard or compound helps when there is hardly any lemon, tangerine or orange in the market.