PETALING JAYA: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) will increase the number of pasar tani or farmers’ market by 25 this year.
There are 748 markets with 30,790 traders generating RM852 million in sales to date.
FAMA chairman, Ishak Ismail said the setting up of more markets will also increase the number of traders by 1,250.
“The sales forecast for this year is RM949 million,” he said after launching the FAMA Chinese New Year (CNY) Cost Savings Programme 2019 at the Section 17 farmers’ market today.
At these markets, Ishak said, households can save RM20 on every RM100 spent, adding that with FAMA’s special CNY programme being held at 378 locations until Feb 4, they will also enjoy discounts of five to 20 per cent on certain items compared to other markets.
“The reduction is possible because of a Farm Contract Programme, which is a farm-to-market arrangement for vegetables and fruits, direct sourcing from the fisherman’s jetty for fish and other marine products, as well as the importation of goods like onions and potatoes,” he said.
“FAMA will keep an eye on things to ensure traders don’t raise prices on a whim,” Ishak assured, while adding that FAMA’s vendors have adequate stock for the festive season. – Bernama