Wet Weather Worrying Says Vendor

Karalaini Gadiwale of Nasolo, Bua has been selling fruits and vegetables at Labasa mar­ket to support her family financially the last 20 years.

The mother of two children who are now both married said the current wet weather condition has led to the abundance in supply of all vegetables.

“I sell at the market from Monday to Saturday and I get my supplies from farmers who arrive at the market early morning,” Mrs Gadiwale said.

“These farmers come from very far away and they sell their produce to us at a higher price because there is no control mecha­nism,” she said.

“We need to make an income so we rear­range items to make some profit.

“Most of the vendors have put prices of wa­tery and green vegetables $2 flat rate,” the third eldest of five siblings currently resid­ing in Lajonia, Labasa said.

“This goes for long bean, cabbage, chau­raiya, dhaniya, eggplants, okra, dalo leaves (rourou), lemon and ginger.

“If this rainy weather continues, the price of vegetables will go up dramatically.

“We are very worried because this is our only source of income.

“From whatever small profit we make we pay our bills, rent and buy groceries.”

The 53-year-old grandmother said no matter how the prices go up or down they will continue their business.

Her husband, Seremaia Tabalo who is a root­crop farmer at Nasolo in Bua said they feel mod­est selling fruits and vegetables at the market.

“We also sell fruits like passion fruit, mango, pawpaw and coconuts,” Mrs Tabalo said.

“Selling at the market has provided the oppor­tunity to make a living.”