FAMA targets farmer's market sales to increase 13.16 pct

JASIN: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority ( FAMA) is targeting to increase sales by farmers’ market by 13.16 per cent to RM860 million this year from RM760 million recorded last year, says Farmers’ Market Division director Rosilawati Abu Hassan.

While saying that sales generated at farmers’ market in the first five months this year reached RM300 million, she was optimistic that the RM860 million target was achievable with the opening of 60 new farmers’ markets nationwide this year.

“The farmers’ market has become a favourite among consumers as it is a one- stop centre which sells various marine, agriculture and agrobased products at prices which are between five and 20 per cent cheaper compared with other markets,” she told reporters after the launch of the “Jualan Jimat Belanja Aidilfitri @ Pasar Tani” by State Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Executive Councillor Norhizam Hassan Baktee.

Present was FAMA Melaka director Che Samudin Hassan.

Meanwhile, Rosilawati said there was sufficient supply of raw materials for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, adding that FAMA has prepared about 350 tonnes of standard chicken, 150 tonnes of beef and 300 tonnes of other agricultural products, including ingredients for the preparation of festive dishes.

“The people should not be worried as FAMA’s farmers’ markets nationwide have prepared sufficient supplies to meet the demand from consumers from June 8 to 14,” she said.

On another note, Che Samudin said 30 farmers’ markets in Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin recorded sales totalling RM4.29 million from January to May this year.

“We are targeting RM11.5 million in sales by farmers’ markets in Melaka this year, compared with RM11.03 million last year,” he said.

Che Samudin said three farmers’ markets, namely Pasar Tani Masjid Tanah, Pasar Tani Merlimau and Pasar Tani Jasin were selected for the Aidilfitri savers sale in the state, which will operate between 7am and 12pm.

He added that 11,700 kilogrammes of standard chicken and 18 tonnes of beef would be sold at the farmers markets in the state. — Bernama