(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
The seasonal vegetable markets (agricultural yards) will start operating from tomorrow night (April 15) for the holy month of Ramadan.
'All five markets will open from 7pm to 11pm throughout the holy month of Ramadan, General Supervisor of Vegetable Markets at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), Abdurrahman Al Sulaiti (pictured) told The Peninsula.
He said that the vegetable markets located in Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al Shamal are operating during weekend from Thursday to Saturday. 'Over 70 percent of locally produced seasonal vegetable are still available at the markets at lower prices compared to other places, said Al Sulaiti.
He said that that markets offered many produce including tomato, cucumber, zucchini, leafy vegetables, egg plants, pumpkins, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, mushroom and onions. Speaking about the contribution of vegetable markets in selling local agricultural produce, Al Sulaiti said that that markets are attracting large number of customers and 20 percent growth rate is expected this year compared to the last year.
To a question about preventive measures taken by the management of the markets to curb the spread of COVID-19, Al Sulaiti said: 'Strict measures are in place. The visitors are required to show green status in Ehteraz, wear face mask and maintain social distancing during their presence in markets.
According to the statistics issued by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the vegetable markets sold 2,105 tonnes local vegetables in March. The markets also sold 643 tonnes of fruits, 502 kg honey, 1,109 kg dates, 1,167 kg mushroom.
The livestock section of the markets sold 2,138 sheep and goats, 2,141 country chicken and 2,106 crates eggs. Many new local vegetables have been added to the vegetable markets in March like potato, white onion, Al Qara Al Asli and many leafy vegetables which are very popular among the consumers.
The growth in agricultural produce reflects at the vegetable markets thanks to the support of the Agricultural Affairs Department. The Agricultural Affairs Department of the Ministry readied the markets enabling local farmers to offer their produce while adhering to the prescribed preventive and precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Agricultural Affairs Department provided farmers with boxes for marketing vegetables, and stalls at the markets free of cost, enabling them to sell directly to the customers without middlemen to get good return for their investments and hard work.
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