TAQAH, Oct. 4 — The Productive Families Market at Jibjat, held as part of the 2026 Sarb season, is offering local household businesses a platform to sell their products directly to visitors. However, participants have called for enhanced support to increase sales and make the initiative more financially viable.

During a recent visit to the market, Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah, met with the participating families to hear their feedback on the market’s operation. While many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their goods, some vendors—particularly those preparing fresh food and meals with limited shelf life—highlighted challenges in generating expected sales volumes.

One food producer noted that financial risks are heightened because ingredients must be purchased and meals prepared in advance, often without certainty about demand. “Sales have not been at the level we expected,” she said. “We hoped there could also be support for families producing meals and food, because much of what we prepare cannot be kept.” She added that many productive families have limited financial resources, making it difficult to absorb losses from unsold inventory.

Participants also pointed out the market’s location as a factor affecting visitor accessibility and overall sales. “We thank the authorities for the opportunity, but we had hoped for a better location where visitors could reach us more easily,” the vendor added, underscoring a desire to build on the initiative rather than reject it outright.

The families emphasized that aspects such as the venue, foot traffic, product demand, and the cost implications of unsold goods will play critical roles in determining the effectiveness of seasonal markets as income-generating outlets for small household enterprises.

In response, Shaikh al Hinai expressed satisfaction with both the level of participation and the market’s organization. He also acknowledged the concerns raised during his visit, which provided an occasion for direct dialogue about potential improvements for future editions.

Launched to support local households and small producers during the Sarb season, the Productive Families Camp aims to provide a direct sales channel to visitors, promoting local entrepreneurship and community engagement. The discussions during the Wali’s visit suggest ongoing efforts to refine the market framework to better meet the needs of participating families.