Bad weather damages crops: leads to local produce shortage

Local produce has become scarce in Male' market due to ongoing weather conditions across the Maldives disrupting crop harvesting and supply chain.

A vendor at the local market speaking with 'Sun' noted that fresh produce of fruits and vegetables are now scarce due to damages to crop harvests. Commodities including chili, banana, pumpkin, watermelon, and vegetables are now at a shortage.

"Someone from Kandoodhoo said their crop fields were damaged due to floods, and that there was a shortage in chilis," the vendor said.

The vendor also said a claim of local produce completely running out would not be an understatement.

Maldives has been experiencing bad weather conditions nationwide, with heavy rainfall and strong winds causing damage to agricultural fields.

Earlier on Tuesday, Maldives Meteorological Center (MET Office) had forecast gusts up to 60 miles per hour from Baa to Meemu atolls, while the area was extended with an orange alert effective from 17:30hrs until 20:30hrs.

A farmer from K. Kaashidhoo, a strong supplier of fruits and vegetables to Male', spoke to 'Sun' noting there had been damages to crop fields amid the current weather conditions.

"The sprouts have been uprooted or broken because of the winds, even papaya trees have been breaking apart," the farmer said.

According to the farmer, banana and papaya trees are among the most damaged crops amid the heavy rain.