China's market supply of vegetables is guaranteed and prices are expected to stabilize and fall with the implementation of relevant measures, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Friday.

The sharp hike in the prices of peppers, cabbage and green onions has recently aroused widespread public concern. The NDRC responded that the prices will ease with the adoption of measures to ensure supply and stabilize prices.

The seasonal fluctuations in vegetable prices are relatively obvious as the Spring Festival is approaching. The recent increase in vegetable prices is mainly due to the negative impact of the nationwide record-breaking low temperatures on vegetable production and transportation. In addition, the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in some areas has affected the delivery of vegetables.

The overall supply capacity of vegetables in winter and spring is rising steadily, the NDRC said. The country has now a total area of about 57,000 square kilometersa for vegetable farming, an increase of over 670 square kilometers from last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

(Cover: VCG)