The Pasar Tani, or Farmers’ Market, is a cherished institution for KL consumers: they get to lay their hands on fresh produce and meat directly from small and medium-sized local farm operators, at a lower price because hey, they cut out the middleman, right?
The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry is moving to make sure Pasar Tanis remain a source of good deals and sound business practices by banning traders who get their stock from wholesale markets from selling their wares there.
Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the new policy, which would come into effect on June 1, would help reduce the price of goods sold at Pasar Tanis by betwen five and 20 percent.
To further assist small-scale farmers, another 100 agriculture collection and distribution centres will be set up, effectively doubling the 100 already in operation now.
There are 25,000 traders currently selling their goods at Pasar Tanis all over the country.
“The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) and the Farmers’ Organization Authority will work closely with the traders and the Agriculture Department to compare prices with farmers and traders to ensure a continuous supply of products,” Ismail told Bernama.
“We will give [the traders] until June to prepare for the transition. Currently there are two types of traders in the Farmers’ Market. One group comprise farmers who sell their products directly and the other group buys from wholesalers and sell them at such markets. Therefore, there is a price difference,” he said.
