A lack of crates is increasingly becoming a problem at the Pitkalja farmers' market, causing unnecessary inconvenience and suffering to farmers, according to the Nationalist Party's agricultural spokesman, Toni Bezzina.

In a statement, Mr Bezzina said that the government had dragged its feet on the procurement process to acquire the required crates, pointing out that the problem was being strongly felt at a time when farmers harvested their produce.

The MP said that the government should ensure that the necessary crates are provided to farmers as soon as possible, before the situation gets worse.

"The lack of these crates is affecting the life of farmers and of their families. It is the government's duty to facilitate the work of farmers and alleviate their struggles, and not increase them," he said.

The MP added that the opposition augured that the government would listen to the farmers' pleas and find an immediate solution.