Heatwave sends fruit, vegetable prices soaring by 50%
Heat Wave sending fruit, vegetable prices skyrocketing. Yonhap
By Jung Hae-myoung
The price of fruit and vegetables has jumped more than 50 percent because of the unprecedented heatwave.
Farmland 10 times the area of Yeouido area is covered in damaged or withering crops, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Apples in Pocheon orchards have been damaged due to the scorching heat and vermin. More than 10 percent of the harvested apples have been discolored.
Apple and pear orchards are the most damaged, while ginseng, sesame, radishes and lettuce also destroyed.
The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. said lettuce prices had almost doubled from 3,344 won to 6,310 won. Watermelons cost up to 28,310 won, 71 percent higher than last month.
The government will convene a meeting to stabilize the price of fruit and vegetables ahead of the Chuseok holiday, Korean thanksgiving, on Sept. 23.