Customers, farmers left in the ‘mud’ as market moved for expo

Several customers who set out to buy their fresh produce every Saturday at NAMDEVCO’s Farmers’ Market, located at Queen’s Park Savannah, claimed they were inconvenienced as they had to step in mud to purchase their goods.

The NAMDEVCO’s Farmers’ Market, which is usually located east of the Grandstand (paved area) was relocated to the grass area, due to the T&T’s Agri Expo 2024, which began last Thursday and ended yesterday.

Many people complained they had to walk in mud, as a result of the heavy rains last week. They took to social media to express their disappointment as to where the market was relocated.

Economist Dr Marlene Attzs, who is a usual Saturday customer, said this situation was untenable.

Attzs said, “While the ‘normal’ spot for the farmers market is a paved area, the public parking facility is on the grass. Port-of-Spain was flooded twice this week, so it was no surprise that vendors and patrons were greeted with dangerously muddy and slippery surfaces in the Savannah. Scores of patrons gingerly tiptoed through the market for fear of falling—so slippery and muddy was the market. Additionally, several vendors’ vehicles became stuck in the muddy ‘access’ roads.”

She said that the markets are important for several reasons, including the fact that they support local economies by providing a direct sales outlet for local farmers and producers, thereby ensuring that a larger portion of each dollar spent stays within the community.

“If we are serious about increasing the direct and indirect contribution of agriculture to our national economy, as well as elevating the conversations around the importance of agriculture, we also should validate and respect our farmers for the service they provide. Can we not secure a permanent, accessible, space for the “Savannah Market”, one that is not exposed to the weather elements so that we demonstrate the value of agriculture and farmers to our economy and people,” Attzs added.

Unhappy farmer

One NAMDEVCO farmer, who asked not to be named, said every time there is a show in the Savannah the farmers are relocated and sometimes it is difficult for the customers to access parking with the constant relocation.

“We’re selling food and the kind of treatment that’s being put out to us, it’s a shame. We had to help people to come out of the mud after they bought their goods. Why are you doing us that,” the farmer added.

But Namdevco’s chief executive officer CEO Nirmala Debysingh, said when they met with the majority of the farmers last month, they preferred to use the grass area. “It is unfortunate that the weather was that adverse. It did hamper the operations of the market, but it was a consultation, and we know this weather is quite erratic. I do not think there was any expectation of that thunder shower last week and so that is what would have caused the situation to be beyond acceptable this weekend. For whatever reason there was a preference, it was not a decision of Namdevco,” Debysingh explained.

However, she said it’s unfortunate that the farmer’s market does not have a home right now but it is being worked on.

“We’re working on establishing a place in the Port-of-Spain area where it can be the home of the farmer’s market,” she said.

The post Customers, farmers left in the ‘mud’ as market moved for expo first appeared on CNC3.