Target to free all farmers' market from middlemen by 2016 - Ismail Sabri
He said the second phase of the campaign would begin this September involving 176 farmers 'markets, while the third phase which covers the remaining markets would start from November to January next year. - File Photo
The government is targeting to free all the 587 farmers' markets in 331 locations nationwide from the clutches of middlemen by January next year.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the "jihad" (strive) against middlemen among farmers' market traders, started in June last year under the first phase involving 66 farmers' markets.
He said the second phase of the campaign would begin this September involving 176 farmers 'markets, while the third phase which covers the remaining markets would start from November to January next year.
Ismail Sabri was speaking to reporters after launching the national-level Aidilfitri special farmers' market 2015 here Friday.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority has also been instructed to become the sole importer of goods that are not available in Malaysia such as potato, to ensure the coordination of prices among farmers' market traders.
The special Aidilfitri farmers' market, which opens today until July 16 is a government initiative to cater to the needs of farmers' market consumers preparing for Hari Raya.
It offers a total 73 fresh agricultural products and the price is between five to 20 per cent lower compared to the market price.
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