Thompson: Vegetable shortage due to drought

 By ERIC BALARIA

HIGHLANDS Farmers and Settlers Association president Wilson Thompson says the vegetable shortage in the country is to be  expected.

Responding to the partial lifting of the ban on vegetable imports by Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll, Thompson said it was disappointing because it defeated the whole purpose of growing local fresh produce.

Shops and informal traders have been reporting a shortage in local vegetables caused by the drought and the import ban.

 “The shortage of these fresh produce was expected by all, even the farmers. This shortage was the drive behind having our farmers to go into intensive farming,” he said. 

“It was a message to all farmers to increase production and to be able to meet the demands that would come. 

“Yes it is affecting our consumer market but that should be the cost  that we have to meet in order to grow and strengthen the local fresh produce industry.

“The lifting of the ban will discourage farmers.

 “If it is the Government’s aim to boost the industry, then it should allow the ban to continue but find appropriate solutions to counter the effects.” 

Thompson said there were markets of vegetables such as bulb onions available in the Highlands but  lacked support.

He said the Government should pay more attention on roads, transportation and providing an accessible market for farmers to sell their produce.