Agriculture Minister Visits Bakara Market to Assess Challenges Facing Banana Traders

MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareeye), today conducted a working visit to Bakara Market in Mogadishu, focusing on the vegetable section, particularly the banana trade.

During the visit, the Minister met with banana traders, who briefed him on challenges facing farmers, transporters and businesses involved in agricultural production and the distribution of produce to local markets.

The traders highlighted difficulties related to road conditions and checkpoints, where transport vehicles incur substantial charges while travelling between farms and markets. They said these costs increase transportation expenses and affect the prices of locally produced agricultural goods.

The Minister listened to the traders’ concerns and recommendations and gathered further information on the challenges affecting the growth of agricultural production.

The visit forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen engagement with farmers and traders and better understand challenges across agricultural production, transportation and marketing. The Ministry continues to prioritise domestic agricultural production and the promotion of Somali agricultural products to support farmers, traders and the national economy.