Lakes State restricts sales of food produce outside main market
Trade Ministry said they noticed that prices continue to increase because of the traders who break the chain of supply.
By Anak Dut
Lakes State Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued an order stopping the traders from buying food produce from farmers outside the main market.
Speaking to The city Review in exclusive interview on Friday, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rebecca Enock Macuac, said the order followed her discussion with the Director of Commerce and Supply and the Director of Standards.
She said they have agreed to stop all traders who buy locally produced products from farmers at the roadsides before reaching the main market.
According to her, the team noticed that prices continue to increase because of the traders who break the chain of supply.
“Some traders tend to go and buy produce like sorghum, groundnuts from farmers on the way before they reach the market at a cheaper price, then come and resell them at a higher price in the main market,” Rebecca said.
“A trader makes more profit than the farmers whom they buy from them at roadside at a cheaper price and sell it at a higherprice.”
She said, for instance, if a trader buys a sack of sorghum or groundnuts at SSP 40,000 and the sack contains four basins, he will sell each basin at SSP 40,000 at the main market.
Earlier this month, the ministry issued an order for locally produced goods not to be taxed to make essential commodities affordable for everyone.
“In the law of commerce, when you increase the prices of your commodities, you don’t overestimate the increased price.”
“I believe that when all traders bring their products to the market, the prices in the market can automatically reduce because the products are in abundance and not scarce.”
The minister said the order must be observed by the eight counties of Lakes State, and anyone who does not adhere to it will face the law.
“I believe that when all traders bring their products to the market, the prices in the market can automatically reduce because the products are in abundance and not scarce,” said Lakes State Minister of Trade and Industry, Rebecca Enock Macuac.
