Acting government spokesperson Mohamed Maalainine Ould Eyih has attributed the rise in tomato prices to restrictions imposed by some exporting countries and the impact of recent rains on local production, particularly among agricultural cooperatives in the river valley.
Speaking at Wednesday evening's press briefing on the cabinet meeting, Ould Eyih said the market relied on both imported and locally grown tomatoes. Difficulties faced by exporters had affected supplies and pushed up prices, he said.
He added that tomato production faced seasonal challenges linked to high temperatures. Efforts to develop seed varieties suited to those conditions and overcome production difficulties were still at an early stage, he said.
On food self-sufficiency, Ould Eyih said the government had made progress in producing rice and some vegetables. He stressed that work would continue to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
He said the government regularly received instructions from the president to keep making progress towards self-sufficiency, and reiterated that efforts to reach that goal were continuing.
