The Ministry of Municipality and Environment represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department has announced that it will close all winter vegetable markets on July 1, 2020 for this season.
The announcement was made on twitter account of the Ministry yesterday.
After Eid Al Fitr break only three winter vegetable markets out of five — Al Mazrouha, Al Wakra and Al Khor-and-Al Zakhira - resumed operation which will also be closed on July 1.
The winter vegetable markets, located in Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al Shamal emerged as one of the largest marketplace for local vegetables directly from farms to the customers.
Amid growing demands for the services of the winter vegetable markets, the Agricultural Affairs Department allowed these markets to operate daily, instead of three days a week, from the middle of this season.
According to earlier figures released by MME, a total of 135 local farms were participating in the winter vegetable markets in this season - 15 more than the previous season.
The highest number of farms, 39, were present in Al Khor-Al Zakhira winter vegetable market followed by Al Mazrouha at 34. The winter vegetable markets in Al Wakrah, Al Sheehaniya and Al Shamal had 27, 20 and 15 farms respectively.
The increase in participation this season shows the confidence of farm owners in winter vegetable markets provided by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment as platform for marketing their products.
The markets provide options to the consumers and help reduce the price of agricultural products in local market.
According to the Ministry over 31 percent of total local agricultural products were sold through their marketing platforms and winter vegetable markets shared 11 percent of the total sales.