– NAREI advises vendors to practice food safety

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is pleased that the COVID 19 pandemic did not hinder the production of fresh fruits and vegetables locally. In fact, Guyana remains self-sufficient in the production of over 80 different crops. These produce are being sold daily at different markets and supermarkets across the country.

This pandemic has emphasized the importance of agriculture diversification and food security, areas NAREI has been partnering with farmers to achieve. Closure to the country’s borders has limited imports and exports. Consequently, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available on the market.

For months consumers have been benefiting from the low cost of vegetables. However, with the presence of rain, this may change.

Raine Dukhia a vendor at Mon Repos Market assured that there is no shortage of crops on the market. Huskers bring produce from Berbice and other areas for sale. This has to be done between 06:00 hrs and 18:00hrs.

Mindful that many persons may be facing hardships, Raine decided not to add high markup to her goods.

“Right now I am buying 48 packs of carrots for $20,000 and I am selling back for sometimes $460 and $500…and this is what I am doing for everything I am selling…I am just adding on like a $20 and $40 to see with the people. The huskers buying cheap but when they come to the market they sell expensive. I know tomato selling cheap in Berbice by the time it reach Mon Repos is $200 per pound and you still have to add on something,” Raine said.

Meanwhile, Heimwantie Persaud, a cash crop farmer said that “After months now the cost for a pound of corrila is $100 and this because of the rain. But, is not a lot of corrila you reaping because the rain damaging the crop. Just after elections and during this COVID period I was selling the husker between $30 and $40 per pound,” says Heimwantie Persaud, a cash crop farmer.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth during an interview with Demerarawaves news outfit noted the importance of Markets in facilitating trade between hundreds of persons daily. Market vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables need to observe the Covid 19 protocols to ensure food safety.

He advised the following practices:
1. Vendors, as well as, consumers should wear masks
2. Fruits, vegetables and ground provisions should be stored on stalls off the ground
3. Produce should be stored in clean containers
4. Vendors should have access to an adequate supply of water to wash produce and hands
5. If possible, produce should be packaged or covered with clear plastic
6. Vendors should practice social distancing

“These measures are intended to prevent or minimize the risk of fruits and vegetables coming into contact with the virus. There is no research pointing to the transmission of the virus through foods. However, we usually cook our vegetables thoroughly. But, for fruits such as mango should be washed with bleach and water,” Dr. Homenauth said.