Demand for better storage facilities at vegetable market

The retail vegetable and fruit market is a popular destination for customers seeking fresh products in small quantities. PICTURES: Jayan Orma

Shopkeepers at the retail market in Abu Hamour have demanded better storage facilities for vegetables and fruits in view of the prevailing hot weather.Most shopkeepers at the market, a popular destination for Qatar residents seeking fresh fruits and vegetables, say the lack of a covered, air-conditioned space results in daily losses for them as they deal with perishable goods. Some of them estimated the daily loss of green vegetables and fresh fruits at 10-25% of the total volume, depending on the type and quality of the items. Shopkeepers pointed out that the stalls are rented from the municipality at a monthly rate of QR100 each with free water and electricity supply. Besides, shopkeepers pay some fees for licences and commercial registration. The overall cost of running a stall is low, they add.Some shopkeepers said they did not mind an increase in rental charges if they were given better facilities such as properly covered stalls with air-conditioning and cool storage areas to avoid any daily loss. “Every day, I have to pick out rotten vegetables and fruits and throw them away,” said a shopkeeper.