WATCH: Check out this throwback video on the Pitkalija’s centralisation and Ta’ Qali’s rise
The Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni has shared a nostalgic throwback video that transports viewers back to a pivotal moment in Malta’s agricultural history: the centralisation of the Pitkalija and its transfer to Ta’ Qali.
Accompanied by the caption, ‘Back in time to when the Pitkalija was centralised and transferred to Ta’ Qali,’ the video captures a transformative step that reshaped the way fresh produce was distributed across the islands.
Before this move, separate pitkalijas operated independently in Marsa, Żebbuġ, Rabat, Mosta, and Birkirkara, each serving its surrounding communities. The decision to bring them together in one central location marked a significant shift towards efficiency, coordination, and modernisation. By uniting farmers, traders, and buyers under one roof for the first time, Ta’ Qali became a hub that streamlined operations and strengthened connections within the agricultural sector.
The footage offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with tractors rolling in, crates of fresh fruit and vegetables being unloaded, and workers going about their daily routines. Beyond its historical value, the video serves as a reminder of how strategic infrastructure decisions can have a lasting impact.
Today, the Ta’ Qali Pitkalija stands as a reminder to that forward-looking move, continuing to play a central role in Malta’s food supply while carrying the legacy of its early beginnings.
Did this throwback video bring back memories?