Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, March 27: In a major step towards eliminating middle-men and bolster income of farmers of these islands, the Agriculture Department is the final stages of execution of its novel project, setting up first Kisan Mandi, in the city. Farmers from different parts of these islands will then be able to sell fruits and vegetables directly to bulk consumers like organised retailers and hotels and boost income by eliminating middlemen.
As per the current practice, middlemen or brokers purchase bulk produce of farmers from different islands on paltry rates and vend them in the retail markets at exorbitant prices. While farmers have been trading losses due to the practice for decades, consumers too have been reeling under high vegetable prices. The steep prices of vegetables and losses to the farmers became a concern for the UT Administration, which then explored the idea of setting up a Vegetable Mandi in the city.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Secretary (Agriculture), Smt R Menaka said under the instructions of the Lt. Governor and the Chief Secretary, the first SHG Haat was organized at ITF Ground. “The initiative provided a platform to cultivators to vend their produce directly to consumers and generate profits. The event saw a huge participation of farmers from South Andaman and other parts of these islands. The success of the event prompted the idea of setting up a Kisan Mandi in the city. Several locations have been identified for the Kisan Mandi. But the Department will take a final call after surveying all the sites to select the most ideal location for the Kisan Mandi,” Smt Menaka added.
