Increase in price of Potatoes imposes burden [Archives:2004/721/Local News]

The market place currently witnesses higher increases in the prices of potatoes, one of the staple food products depended upon by many Yemenis.
The price of potatoes per kilo used to be 20 Riyals, but now it runs at around 150-180 Riyals per kilo. The reason for higher prices is due to the diversion of some farmers to growing qat. Another reason is the delay in the rain season.
Potato production has decreased to the point that the Ministry of Agriculture needs to intervene to ensure they are available in the markets at reasonable prices.
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