Relief for buyers as bean prices drop

(Credit: Ruth Nanfuka)

LATEST MARKET PRICES

Since November last year, bean prices have been high, but they have finally gone down.

As recently as two weeks ago, bean prices were at sh3, 600 a kilogram, which now goes for sh2, 600 in retail shops.

Beans are of different types: red beans (Nambale), yellow beans, and white beans.

According to Edward Kawooya, a shop attendant in Mpererwe, the prices have dropped because it is the harvesting period and so many farmers are selling off their produce.

With this high supply on the market, it is only natural for the prices to drop, he adds.

Phiona Atuhaire, a resident of Kanyanya, says: "The prices of beans to drop can only mean that maybe even other foodsuaffs will follow the same trend. I am so delighted".

For wholesale buying, the prices differ.

Wholesale shops in Kyebando charge sh2, 200 a kilogram of red beans and the yellow beans.

The white beans are at sh2, 000 a kilogram on wholesale and at retail sh2, 400. In other places like Owino Market, a kilo is at sh2, 300.

Christine Kigundu, a trader at Owino Market, says the prices are expected to remain low until the supply reduces once sowing time starts.

Right now the beans are fresh and the demand is high too., she adds.