Objectives of the MIU

To increase the profit margin of planters                                                                           Planters will be able to plan their production and equilibrate demand and supply conditions, that is to avoid under-supply or over-supply of produce in the market, thus preventing them from going towards intermediary means of marketing, and promote direct selling to consumers; To lessen price fluctuations; To enhance competitiveness of marketing in face of constraints; A timely and effective marketing strategy to ensure supply as per demand and to meet market exigencies. Gearing production towards export orientation (Optimising export opportunities, identify importers, export purposes and conditions, several critieria should be considered: Sea /Air freight cost High production cost (importing fertilisers, seeds, agricultural equipment ) High quality produce By forcasting weather conditions( from meteorological services), wholesale and retail prices (from AREU services),  planters will be able to plan their production to avoid unexpected losses; Survey on market demands and trends both at local and international level (Advantage: Planters will be informed on prices and demand for a certain produce, thus decreasing risk of incurring losses) ; Identify new market opportunities /  target markets abroad (enlarge market segment for producers and exporters); Provision of feedback to local agricultural stakeholders on market exigencies, changes, norms and standards ; To plan harvesting If prices are low, delay harvesting (for certain produce like potatoes, pumpkin); Estimated area to be harvested in time  in order to enhance sales potential; To diversify into secondary products, that is, to preserve perishable produce and extention of shelf life. (E.g Salted Fish, canned tomatoes, dried fruits, canned Tuna);