Farmers want bigger turnout after Micoud Farmers' Market

Farmers who plied their trade at a farmers market in Micoud, Friday, August 28, described the event as a welcome one, but say they had expected more local support for it.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives.

According to Kaymer Prophet, an agricultural officer who is currently attached to the “7-Crop Project”, “Under such project, we are trying to reduce our import of the seven focal crops, promote healthy eating and local buying.”

The seven focal crops are tomatoes, lettuce, watermelons, pineapples, bell peppers, cantaloupe and honeydew.

Prophet said she was happy with the public participation in the event, adding that among those who patronized the farmers were the parliamentary representative for Micoud South, Hon Dr Gale Rogobert.

This is the third time such an event was held in Micoud, she added.

While, several farmers said they had expected to see more public participation in the event. They said they also had some concerns about the day it was held and its location, which was adjacent Sadoo’s gas station near the Micoud Highway.

Einas Celestine, a member of the Network of Rural Women Producers (Micoud Cluster) said, “The event is a good one but could have been better.”

She said the Ministry of Agriculture should always ensure that the event is held in an appropriate location in order to attract both locals and foreigners.

“We only sold a few things but had the event been held on a Saturday and in another location, we would have sold much more,” Celestine added.

Hanah Lubin, a producer of local wines and juices said, “Things have been a bit slow. Maybe it’s because of poor advertising.”

Henry Alexander, a producer of coconut oil, said the event is a welcome one but the public needs to participate in it some more.

Alexander said he hopes the event gets better over time.