The government has decided to control food prices for the first time during this year's Ramadan.
Every year, the month of Ramadan is marked by a month of extremely high market prices. Businesses state that it is a result of the diminishing supply of goods during the fasting month.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Welfare Hussain Ismail said that the ministry is required to implement measures to control food prices as part of the administration's roadmap for the first 14 weeks in office. As such, he said that work will begin this week to identify the types of foods commonly consumed during Ramadan and the amount of food needed.
Moreover, State Minister Ismail said the market prices will be controlled during Ramadan this year based on the availability. He expressed confidence that unlike previous Ramadans, the price of goods, especially those locally produced, will be controlled at a level that is cheap and affordable. As such, he said that the ministry will identify the proportion of public food consumption and obtain the figures to determine the availability of the goods in the market. The figures will allow the government to determine the amount of goods that need to be imported.
Furthermore, Minister of State Ismail highlighted the issue of farmers not bringing fresh produce to the market, adding that the ministry is working with AgroNat to find a solution. He also said that obtaining data on the amount of agricultural products being produced in the islands will also assist in the government's efforts to identify the amount of goods that need to be imported.