Plastic crates on easy payment terms

Irangika Range

The Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry will supply plastic crates to farmers and vendors at subsidized prices through the islandwide network of the Agrarian Service Associations.

"A scheme has been introduced to hire or purchase the crates for a daily fee from such Associations for those who cannot afford the subsidize prices, an Agrarian Services Ministry Spokesman said.

"We have drawn up an easy payment scheme for farmers and vendors to purchase crates. They have to pay only 50 percent of the market value of a crate and those unable to pay the 50 percent, will be provided with a loan facility through farmer banks attached to the Agrarian Service Associations," the spokesman said.

The government has spent a large sum to introduce plastic crates to transport fruits and vegetables. "Nearly 200,000 plastic crates have been given free of charge through the Agrarian Service Associations. The people are still not used to it. The government introduced this rule with the concurrence of vendors to protect consumers who invariably bear the brunt of waste due to improper packaging and delivery. It is estimated that up to 40 percent of the produce is wasted due to improper transportation. The customers will get quality food items at a very reasonable price with the introduction of plastic crates", he said.