Hundreds turn out for Govt-sponsored farmers’ market

…another being planned for Square of Revolution – Agri Minister

True to what was announced in Budget 2022 as a way to mitigate price increases for food items, the Government through the Agriculture Ministry on Sunday hosted the first of the announced Government-sponsored Farmers’ Market Day initiatives at the Lusignan Market tarmac.
In an interview with this publication following the initiative which saw hundreds of people turn up to buy produce at discounted prices, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that between 75 and 100 farmers showed up for the initiative.
“You had almost a thousand people turn up there this morning. I think both the farmers and the consumers were very happy. Because the farmers were able to sell at a higher price. And the consumer bought the produce at a lower price, than they regularly purchased in the market.”
“Prices were reduced between 50 per cent, some 25 per cent and it showed that with these farmers market it can help to cushion the high cost of these items that are selling in the market,” the Minister said.
According to Mustapha, this is one of the measures that the Government had included in the budget. He described it as the first of more such measures to come, adding that the Government is likely to host one in Georgetown next, with possible locations including the Square of the Revolution.
“This is the first one and we’ll continue to do this, regularly, across the country. In all the regions we’ll organise this. And we’ll continue to facilitate this for the farmers… they (farmers) were very happy and the items were sold out very quickly.”
“The next one, we’re looking to do in Georgetown, by the Square of the Revolution and then in different parts, Region Three and simultaneously we will organise it across the country. So at least once monthly we can organise a farmers’ market,” the Minister said.
Among the items sold at the Lusignan tarmac were plantain, cassava, sweet potato and meats like beef, pork, chicken, duck. There was also porridge mix, plantain and banana flour and an array of fruits and vegetables.
The Agriculture Ministry is also expected to soon introduce a farmers’ market in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to reduce the high cost consumers are asked to pay for locally grown vegetables.
Minister Mustapha had made the announcement last month while visiting farming communities on the East Bank of Berbice. While pointing out that Government has no control over import prices, Mustapha had said that, working together, Government and farmers can reduce the price consumers pay for locally grown food.
Mustapha had explained that two factors have resulted in rising food prices: global warming, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He had also said that the impact of global warming has seen increased rainfall, and in Guyana, there was a countrywide flood last year that severely crippled the agriculture sector.
He had pointed out at the time that even though plantains are being retailed at some markets at $400 per pound, the farmer is receiving only $100 per pound. He noted that while farmers have received and will continue to receive much support from the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Government, they must be organised to have prices reduced.
“For us to bring down the cost of vegetables and fruits, our Extension Officers will be working with you to organise a farmers’ market. In Berbice, within the month and a half, I want to see a farmers’ market. We will set up a place for you around the New Amsterdam area and advertise it well, and on a weekly basis, we can have a farmers’ market,” the Minister had said. (G3)