Temporary Ramadan market for local farmers opens in Malé

A temporary market for local farmers has opened in Malé to facilitate the sale of agricultural produce during Ramadan.

The market began operations on Wednesday at the former Shot Cafe site in the North Harbour area. It will operate throughout Ramadan during two daily sessions, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, the market is intended to provide a platform for farmers to transport and sell produce in the capital. The market will be vacated at the end of Ramadan.

Farmers were invited to apply for stalls through their respective island councils, with applications closing on the 29th of last month. Approved farmers were given until the 15th of this month to bring their produce to the market.

The ministry has issued guidelines for the operation of the market. Sellers are required to maintain records of products sold and submit them to the ministry. Only raw fruits and vegetables produced in the islands are permitted for sale. Prepared food items, including Rihaakuru, are not allowed.

The guidelines also state that expatriate workers are not permitted to work at the stalls. Produce must not be placed directly on the ground outside stalls and should be displayed on tables or platforms at least two feet above ground level. An exception applies to hard-shelled items such as young coconuts, mature coconuts, screwpine, watermelons and pumpkins.

Vendors are also required to dispose of waste at designated collection points after business hours.