Limes: Supply increasing in markets

The widely consumed fruit is staging its comeback after months of scarcity that resulted in price hike.

Good news to limes lovers; the price of limes is witnessing a drastic drop after many months of scarcity that eventually led to price hike. A 50 kilogramme bag which use to sell at FCFA 75,000, has eventually dropped to between FCFA 25,000 and FCFA 30,000 depending on the quality and size.

In the Sandaga market situated at the Douala I council area, traders and customers speak the same language which is that of smooth buying and selling without commotion as used to be the case.

Véronique M., fondly referred to by her customers as Mama Edea, disclosed that the fruit will soon be in season. Traders and customers will soon buy two times cheaper than now, she insisted.

To the trader who gets supplies from the production basin in Sanaga-maritime Division and from Yabassi in the Nkam Division, the just ended dry season was too harsh and resulted to low yields.

The dryness of the season equally affected the quality of the fruit rendering them smaller in size and less juicy, she added. From November 2015 to May ending, a normal size fruit was sold at FCFA 100 compared to present moment where three of the same size is sold at FCFA 100. The fruit according to her will still witness a reduction in prices before August 2016.

During the scarcity period, restaurants that serve free tea after meals offered slices of lemon instead of limes to their customers. While households reduced the use of the fruit in washing fresh fish, chicken and meat to remove bad scent, “fever grass” tea lovers and weight watchers equally reduced the quantity used.

Presently Sandrine, who was all smiles when buying the fruit in the Sandaga Market, June 28, said even with the money she had, she couldn’t find the fruit in the market and now that the fruit is available, she will use the opportunity to buy much, squeeze and stock.

It is worth of note that the cultivation of the citric fruit is done in areas closer to the foot of the river. Some trees according to Véronique M. produce just once a year while others produce twice a year.