ENOUGH STOCKS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
MUSCAT: With the Sultanate gearing up for Eid al Adha celebrations under strict lockdown measures, Muscat Municipality said that arrangements have been completed to ensure availability of enough fruits and vegetables to consumers.
“Traders have been told to import enough quantities of fruits and vegetables from the country of origin directly, in addition to purchasing from the local producers,” the municipality said in a statement on Wednesday.
Authorities at the Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits confirmed availability of different types of fruits, demand for which increases during festivals like Eid.
According to the municipality, the number of trucks arriving daily to the Mawaleh market reached an average 35 shipments during the period from July 1 to July 27 while the volume of imports comprising various types of vegetables and fruits crossed over 19,600 tonnes. The ports of the Sultanate are connected by direct shipping lines with more than 86 ports in 40 countries, besides more than 200 direct weekly flights. The municipality said officials from its health department have intensified inspections at shops, food establishments and stores.
“The checks are being done to ensure a suitable environment for handling vegetables and fruits, and confirm that all market facilities including refrigeration devices are working in accordance with the standards set by the municipality,” the statement said.
The officials will also check all the details of the products being traded on the market including the dates of packing and expiry, it said. According to the statement, the market will now work from 6 am to 1 pm and will remain closed in the evening until further notice with the business limited to wholesale.
Retail stores will continue to be closed.
According to the statement, entry permission will be given to refrigerators that obtain customs clearance, and the number of trucks allowed is one with a maximum of two persons.
“Local producers must register their data with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,” it said, adding, “agricultural and customs checks will continue in the logistics city or through the border outlets.” Trading will be suspended in the market on the first and second days of Eid al Adha, and will resume on the third day of Eid as decided earlier, it added.