ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay - The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has announced a two-week operation of farmers' direct sales markets across the country as part of its "Ra’arõvo" special operation for Semana Santa (Holy Week). This special fair is expected to provide citizens with the opportunity to purchase fresh agricultural products at affordable prices.

In an interview with GEN, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Giménez, stated that direct sales markets will be held in various locations including Asunción, San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Limpio, and Caazapá. He emphasized, "During Holy Week, when demand increases and prices in large stores rise, we aim to offer consumers high-quality agricultural products at reasonable prices."

Main Products and Expected Prices:

Tomatoes: Direct from farm price of ₲10,000 - ₲15,000 per kg (can rise to ₲25,000 in some retail stores)
Eggs (domestic): ₲20,000 for 12
Paraguayan Cheese: ₲33,000 per kg
Other various agricultural and livestock products and traditional foods
Markets will be held on the following dates and locations:

Tuesday, April 1st: Paseo 1811 (Fernando de la Mora)
Wednesday, April 2nd: De la Raíz, Shopping Multiplaza (Asunción)
Thursday, April 3rd: National Directorate of Commercialization (San Lorenzo) and National Television System (Saxonia)
Thursday, April 3rd: Plaza Flores, Shopping Multiplaza (Asunción)
Friday, April 4th: Pedestrian Plaza of the Municipality of Fernando de la Mora
Friday, April 4th: Plaza of the National Directorate of Agricultural Education (San Lorenzo)
Saturday, April 5th: Abasto Norte (Limpio)
Wednesday, April 9th: De la Raíz, Shopping Multiplaza (Asunción)
Thursday, April 10th: Caazapá Departmental Fair
Thursday, April 10th: Plaza Flores, Shopping Multiplaza (Asunción)
Friday, April 11th: Shopping Century Plaza (Lambaré)
Friday, April 11th: Plaza of the National Directorate of Agricultural Education (San Lorenzo)
Monday, April 14th: Costanera of Asunción
Tuesday, April 15th: Simultaneous markets at Costanera of Asunción, Paseo 1811, and National Directorate of Commercialization
Permanent Market: Orchid Exhibition and Sales Center (San Lorenzo)
Aiming to Improve Agricultural Product Distribution Structure and Stabilize Prices

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock aims to reduce the stages of agricultural product distribution and stabilize prices through this special fair. Minister Giménez stated, "The fact that tomatoes sold at ₲10,000 - ₲15,000 at the farm reach up to ₲25,000 in some sales points is due to increased demand and inefficiencies in the distribution process. Through these direct sales markets, we can supply agricultural products at fair prices that benefit both producers and consumers."

Supporting Producers and Benefiting Consumers

This event is expected to contribute to increased farm income by providing an opportunity for producers to sell directly without intermediaries. Consumers will be able to purchase fresh, high-quality agricultural products at lower prices than the market price, providing a great opportunity to obtain necessary food items at reasonable prices, especially during Holy Week.

The National Directorate of Agricultural Marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is in charge of the overall preparation for this special fair, and related details will be continuously updated through the Ministry's social media channels. Minister Giménez added, "We will do our best to ensure that the public can have abundant tables at reasonable prices this Holy Week."

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