Around 1,000 tonnes of locally produced vegetables have been sold at the five yards for selling local agricultural products, located in Al Mazrouah, Al Khor-Al Thakhira, Al Wakra, Al Sheehaniya and Al Shamal, since the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
Abdulrahman al-Sulaiti, general superviser of yards at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the yards have had "record sales" since a decision was taken to operate them on all days of the week in mid-March.
The yards sell more than 850 tonnes of different types of vegetables a week, with up to 4,000 tonnes a month, according to the report.
The MME had also announced that the yards selling local agricultural products would remain open every day during the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Sulaiti stressed that the yards have won the confidence of customers as a main source for buying vegetables due to their high quality and relatively low prices.
He said the participation of 25 additional local farms has led to the supply of more fresh products at the Al Mazroauh and Al Khor-Al Thakhira yards, which have the highest customer turnout. Besides, around 60% of the requirement for fresh vegetables is supplied locally through the five yards, he added.
Though the summer often sees a drop in the local production of vegetables, the participating farms have exerted great efforts to start their production and extend the season. This comes as part of their response to the need for enhancing the production capacity to help achieve the country's target of food self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, he noted that the MME is keen to ensure that the participating farms maintain a high quality of products in line with the prescribed standards for quality and safety.
Further, he said regular samples of the products on display at the yards are taken for tests and analyses to ensure that these are fit for human consumption. Besides, all the products there are inspected by agriculture supervisors at the ministry, starting from the various stages of production at the farm until their display in the yards.
Related Story