Cochabamba foresees stabilisation of tomato prices in August and September.

Tomato prices in Cochabamba (Bolivia) markets have increased due to low temperatures and water shortages in Omereque, but are expected to stabilise in August and September. Local agronomists anticipate an improvement in supply.

 

The cold weather has prevented tomatoes from ripening, reducing the supply from Omereque, which supplies 20% of the local market. In addition, drought in Omereque and Mizque has severely affected crops. However, production in the Santa Cruz valleys, such as Saipina and Comarapa, is expected to compensate for this decline.

 

Recent rains in the Santa Cruz valleys have improved water availability, which should benefit production. Although the Mizque river has dried up, farmers are looking for solutions such as digging wells to sustain their crops.

 

The price of tomatoes is expected to start falling in the coming weeks with the arrival of increased supplies from other regions.