Prices of beans up: report

Dar es Salaam. Wholesale and retail prices of beans have risen in many regions on the Mainland, with the exception of Geita and Mbeya.

A survey has shown that prices of beans started to increase early this month due to high demand.

At Tandika, Temeke-Double Cabin and Kisutu markets, the survey found that wholesale prices of a 100-kilo bag of beans jumped to an average of Sh220,000 and Sh230,000 on May 25 from Sh17,000 and Sh210,000 recorded on February 28.

Market reports have shown that retail prices of one kilo of beans rose to an average of Sh2,300 and Sh3,000 from Sh2000 and Sh2,800 recorded in February, depending on the type of beans.

This is happening while many parts of the country are harvesting the crop.

Wholesalers attribute the trend to an increase in demand.

Mr Idrissa Makengwa, the wholesaler and retailer of rice, maize and beans at Kisutu Market in Dar es Salaam, said prices have risen due to an increase in demand, mainly during Ramadhan.

“The month of Ramadhan has its grace; there are many customers in this month. To go along with demand we have slightly increased the prices,” he said.

The chairman of Tandika Market, Mr Mohamed Mwekya, said prices had risen slightly since the start of Ramadhan due to increased demand.

Data from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment for May 28 shows that the prices have slightly increased in many regions.

Researchers say beans are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, folate, and iron. Beans also have significant amounts of fibre and soluble fibre, with one cupof cooked beans providing between nine and 13 grams of fibre. Soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol.

Consuming beans adds significant amounts of fibre and soluble fibre to a diet.

Source: The Citizen

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