The Dominican Republic government plans to buy bananas directly from growers and resell in domestic markets in a bid to prevent price speculation, website 7dias.com.do reported.

Agriculture Minister Ángel Estévez made the announcement highlighting growers were about to start harvests and would have ample supply despite the impacts of drought and tropical storm Erika.

Estévez emphasized farmgate prices had remained stable which showed there were no shortages, and there would be sufficient supply to meet demand for bananas, plantains, tomatoes and cassava, the story reported.

The Dominican Republic National Federation of Merchants and Businesspeople (Fenacerd) described the government's decision to buy around 30 million bananas as appropriate for warding off speculation.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com