DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 14 -- WHOLESALE watermelon prices in Dar es Salaam have plunged by over 50 per cent in the last month, a result of a bumper harvest and low demand during the cold season.

The market is currently oversaturated with fruit from the nearby Coast Region, causing prices to fall as consumer interest decline.

A spot survey by the Daily News on Wednesday showed that a wholesale price for a large watermelon currently sells for between 7,000/- and 8,000/- compared to 10,000/- to 12,000/- a month ago, while the small size dropped from 2,000/- to 3,500/- to as low as 500/- to 1,500/-.

Veterinary market ViceChairperson Mashaka Ponera said the cold season between June and August normally affects demand. He also suggested that the ...