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A BOOST TO LOCAL FARMERS Sabalu Market opens
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Posted on Apr 17 2000
It was an event which the farmers have always been waiting for — selling directly their fresh fruits and vegetables to consumers every Saturday morning.
While most of them regularly bring their produce to supermarkets, restaurants and hotels, the farmers were just too happy to be given the opportunity to sell directly to the consumers.
As early as 6:00 a.m., Jess M. Castro, who owns a seven-acre farm in Kagman, has been fixing his produce in his stall near the 4H Club building. “This is one good opportunity for us to sell our fruits and vegetables at wholesale prices. We don’t worry about the returns of our produce,” he said.
Watermelons were sold at $.70 a pound, vegetables $1 per bundle, bananas $.70 per pound. With the cheap prices, the farmers are still giving more discounts and free taste of water melons.
Joe Deleon Guerrero brought his newly-harvested raddish, cabbage and bananas from his Kagman farm. “We should promote this more so that people would know that they should just get their vegetables here every Saturday,” he said.
Seven farmers set up their stalls last Saturday offering 32 locally produced farm products.
“It’s a delightful buying experience for many people who can find products otherwise not available in common grocery stores,” said Dr. M. Ashraf, marketing specialist at the Northern Marianas College.
The project is also aimed at providing a venue for social interaction among farmers, community and visitors who come to Saipan.
Although Danny Valenzuela, a farm employee in As Lito, regularly supplies several grocery stores with vegetables harvested from the farm, the Saturday market provides them direct contact with the consumers.
Initiated by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, the Saturday market was drawn up to help farmers efficiently market their agricultural produce and eventually expand local production. NMC CREES program is providing technical support to the farmers.
Direct marketing approach is expected to resolve the problems encountered by farmers with the current consignment agreement they have with some stores.
