The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Arrival of vegetables at farmers' markets up

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 19, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Arrival of vegetables at farmers' markets up

S. Vydhianathan

Number of participating farmers goes up to 6,500

DIRECT SELLING: Farmers' market in Ambattur is attracting customers slowly. — File photo

CHENNAI: Arrival of vegetables at `uzhavar sandais' (farmer's markets) and the number of farmers selling their produce have increased after the markets were revived by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Government.

The arrival shot up from 587 tonne on May 29 to 841 tonne, worth Rs 77.42 lakh, by the middle of this month. The number of participating farmers increased from 5,537 to 6,500. About 1.55 lakh consumers have benefited.

The scheme, which Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi launched during his previous Government, did not find favour with the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam rule. Lack of official support resulted in a gradual decline in the arrival of vegetables. Genuine farmers were virtually driven out by vegetable traders.

The DMK regime made revival of these markets a priority to help farmers sell their produce directly to consumers. The dilapidated buildings were renovated at a cost of 42 lakh, and 3,000 traders occupying the markets were asked to vacate.

According to an Agriculture department official, 103 "sandais," including 28 closed down by the AIADMK regime, are functioning now. Through the Horticulture and Revenue departments, genuine farmers are being identified and identity cards given.

In the last 15 days 19,000 cards were issued. The departments plans to issue 30,000 cards. To help farmers bring vegetables from villages, buses with luggage carriers are being operated from 4 a.m. daily.

According to an Agriculture Department official, steps are taken to supply hill vegetables to the markets through cooperative outlets and self-help groups. In the absence of middle men, consumers can get fresh vegetables and fruits at 5-15 per cent less than the market price, while farmers will get remunerative prices.

More measures

Steps are being taken to increase the area under vegetables, distribute quality seeds to farmers and train farmers in improved farm practices. Cold storages are being planned between the cultivating areas and the marketing places. Farmers' vegetable cooperative societies will also be formed.

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