Garri, a staple food in Nigeria, has always been at the heart of the Nigerian diet. Recently, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in the city revealed a significant drop in the price of garri. Indeed, the price of a bucket of white garri has increased from ₦3,500 to ₦2,500, while yellow garri sells for between ₦3,500 and ₦3,200, depending on the brand.
This drop in price is partly explained by a bountiful cassava harvest in some parts of the state. Retailers observed a decrease in prices, with 100kg bags of white garri falling from ₦134,400 to ₦105,000, and bags of yellow garri being sold for between ₦142,000 and ₦147,000, down from ₦168,000 and ₦160,000 previously.
Factors such as the abundant cassava harvest in Ugbawka and Nara communities, as well as other parts of Enugu State and Ebonyi State, continue to put pressure on prices at the decline. Farmers, facing high production costs, have also seen their profits decline due to rising prices of other agricultural products in the market.
Despite this, the reduction in garri prices is welcomed by many Nigerians. This drop brings relief to families who had difficulty purchasing this basic product due to its period of high prices.
Interestingly, garri, apart from being an essential food source, also has a significant economic impact on many Nigerian families. By reducing the costs of this commodity, the consequences are felt at different levels of society, highlighting the importance of agriculture in the local economy.