Farmers’ market offers best buys for essential goods

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pre-Syawal Farmers’ Market Special Sales is offering between 5% and 20% discount for essential goods nationwide.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the special sales, organised by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), is on until Saturday, and involves 344 selected farmers’ markets.

“The sales would provide an alternative for consumers to choose fresh items such as chicken, beef, fish and vegetables at reasonable prices,” he told reporters after launching the special sales at Pasar Tani Bukit Angkasa yesterday.

Also present were Fama directorgeneral Datuk Ahmad Ishak and Lembah Pantai Umno division head Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Ahmad Shabery added that Fama has given an assurance that supply of essential commodities for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be sufficient.

He said as of April, there were 687 farmers’ markets, involving 29,152 participants nationwide, with total sales of RM285 million.

In Johor, state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Ismail Mohamed said 15 special pre-Aidilfitri farmers’ markets will open across Johor from Wednesday to Saturday for consumers to buy essential food items to prepare for the Hari Raya celebration.

“Some 290 traders are taking part in these pasar tani located in 10 districts, namely Johor Baru, Kulai, Pontian, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Batu Pahat, Segamat, Muar and Tangkak, The markets open from as early as 7am. “About 500,000 coconuts, 15,200 chickens and 120 heads of cattle will be made available at these pasar tani as demand for these essentials will sharply increase for the festive celebration,” he said after the state-level launch of the special pasar tani at the Permanent Pasar Tani Complex in Bukit Gambir. – Bernama