Guyanese shoppers have welcomed the government’s Farmers’ Market initiative, held today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre alongside the Farmers’ Conference, highlighting the reasonable prices, variety of locally produced goods and direct access to farmers and agro-processors, while expressing hope that the initiative will continue regularly.
Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, shopper, Christopher Singh described the initiative as a good collaboration between the government and the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the prices offered were significantly lower.
“The prices are exceedingly low, and we thank you (the Government) for this, and we continue to support this initiative,” he said.
First-time visitor Rohan Khani also found the prices reasonable, while Zaheeda Hack said the market provided a valuable opportunity for farmers.
“I think it should be done more often, because it’s farmers directly to the consumers. And so it’s probably going to be easier for them to get their produce off, and easier for us to access it,” she said.
Zaheeda Hack also welcomed the variety of locally produced and agro-processed goods available, including different flavours of achar and seasonings, and recommended that the initiative be held monthly, with more farmers and other producers encouraged to participate.
Janice Miller, a non-national, similarly praised the convenience and variety, noting that she discovered products she had not previously considered purchasing.
“I thought the prices were very reasonable. Also, I like the variety of stuff that they had here. It was not just vegetables; they had different manufactured goods,” she said, expressing hope that the market would be held more often.
Meanwhile, Hashim Alli encouraged Guyanese to support future markets, noting that the initiative provides an opportunity to promote local agriculture while giving consumers access to reasonably priced goods.
Adding his contribution, Chris Persaud also welcomed the range of products available, specifically the prices of eggs and other items as part of a positive shopping experience.
The Farmers’ Market brings farmers, agro-processors and consumers together, providing an avenue for locally produced goods to reach the public while giving shoppers access to a variety of products at competitive prices.
