Al-Yousef orders direct sale of farm produce to citizens
Interior Minister’s surprise inspection targets price control and market integrity; cracks down on violations at Farmers Union sites
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah has directed authorities to take the necessary measures to enable farmers to sell their produce directly to citizens through Farmers Union outlets, in line with the objectives for which these sites were established.
The directive came during a surprise inspection tour conducted by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef of several state-supported Farmers Union sites designated for selling vegetables and fruits in areas such as Fahd Al-Ahmad, Andalus and Jahra.
The visit was part of ongoing field monitoring to assess workflow and ensure compliance with approved regulations and bylaws, reports Al-Rai daily.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday, Sheikh Fahd stressed the importance of allowing farmers to market their products directly and in an organized manner, noting that this step would help reduce vegetable and fruit prices, ensure fair access to goods, and provide direct benefits to citizens.
The tour was to identify shortcomings, address previous irregular practices, and ensure the removal of all forms of abuse, thereby guaranteeing fairness in supply and pricing and preventing any external interference in the sales process.
The inspection followed the detection of serious violations and suspicions of administrative and financial misconduct, including the receipt of bribes from certain commercial companies in exchange for prioritizing their products within the associations, in clear violation of laws and regulations governing the support system and equal opportunity.
Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef ordered firm and immediate action against anyone proven to be involved in such violations, stressing that there will be zero tolerance for any infringement affecting public funds or undermining the support mechanism.
All violations, he said, will be referred to the competent authorities for legal action.
He emphasized that these field inspections are part of a clear approach to strengthening integrity and transparency, enhancing on-site oversight, and confronting any attempts to exploit state support or harm the public interest.
The ultimate goal, he noted, is to protect consumers, ensure the availability of products at fair prices, and maintain market stability in a manner that serves citizens.
