The Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers to plant red bongo chillies as it is currently on high demand in the local market.

The price of the bongo chillies at the Suva Market is $28.95 a kilogram whilst the price to New Zealand and Australia is $12kg.

Agriculture officer, Farm Management North Timoci Vakaboro said local farmers need to sell their bongo chillies at the Suva Market as they can obtain a good price.

“The price of the bongo chilly at the local Market is currently good for Suva the price of chillies cost $28.95kg,” Vakaboro said.

“Not only for Suva, was I also told that the price at the Labasa market is $11 to $12 a kg.

“It is better for the local farmers to sell their chillies at the local market rather than Australia and New Zealand market,” he said.

Mr Vakaboro said the Macuata currently has five markets for chillies while Bua have one.

“The market for red bongo chillies are booming for the local market at the moment,” he said.

“Chillies should not be planted in the field where one planted tomatoes, cabbage and cucumber, as it will not grow and bear fruit,” he said.

“Farmers can apply chemical known as benomyl as it is easily accessible locally.

The Ministry of Agriculture will soon launch 10 chilli species.

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