The Diamond Polishers and Uncomfortable Realities
Monday, December 07, 2015
Minister Mokaila explained (Mmegi 24.11.15) that he had appointed a Task Force to recommend ways and means by which our polishers could better compete with their counter parts in China and India where costs are lower and productivity higher.
It must, from the onset, have appeared like a very tough ask. Note for instance that our polishers work for an average of 212 days a year. Polishers in both China and India work a six-day week. If they did so for all the 52 weeks of the year they would be putting in a 312 working day year.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...