Agriculture statistics

In the fourth quarter of 2002 the quantity of fresh fruit and vegetables passing through organised markets amounted to 8.4 million kilograms, yielding Lm 1.58 million in wholesale value. This represented an increase of 17.7 per cent in the volume of produce passing through the markets or 1.3 million kilogrammes when compared to 7.13 million kilograms in 2001. On the other hand, the wholesale value decreased by 8.4 per cent or Lm 0.15 million from Lm1.73 million in the fourth quarter of 2001.

During 2002, the quantity of fresh fruit and vegetables passing through organised markets increased by 3.1 million kilograms or 7.8 per cent from 39.4 millon kilograms in 2001 to 42.5 million kilograms in 2002. The total wholesale value of fresh fruit and vegetables also registered an increase of Lm 0.47 million or 6.4 per cent from Lm 7.31 million in 2001 to Lm 7.78 million in 2002.

The quantity of fresh vegetables passing through organised markets in the fourth quarter of 2002 amounted to 8.0 million kilograms. This represents an increase of 1.3 million kilograms or 18.6 per cent when compared to the same period in 2001. There was a marked increase in the following produce:- Tomatoes (+11.4 per cent), Potatoes (+129.7 per cent), Cauliflowers (+22.1 per cent), and Vegetable Marrows (+29.5 per cent) . A significant drop in production was recorded in respect of Lettuce (-19.4 per cent) and Dry Onions (-10.5 per cent).

While the volume of fresh vegetables passing through organised markets in 2002 increased by 3.0 million kilogrammes, from 37.4 million to 40.4 million kilogrammes, the wholesale value increased from Lm 6.4 million to Lm 6.8 million, or 6 per cent.

The total supply of fresh fruit for 2002 amounted to 2.1 million kilograms. Compared to 2001, an increase of 0.1 million kilograms or 6.8 per cent was recorded. This was mainly due to the production of peaches which registered an increas