Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad   

Horticulture crops to get separate societies

Ravi Reddy

Village-wise associations planned; move will fetch good prices

HYDERABAD: In a move that is expected to help fruit and vegetable growers in the State secure remunerative prices, the State Horticulture Mission is gearing up to constitute village-wise crop growers associations to market their produce.

The idea is to replicate the Maharashtra model, which has separate associations to safeguard the interests of different fruit and vegetables growers. However, the Horticulture Mission, which has a budget of Rs. 172 crore, plans to first constitute village-level common interest groups among the farmers and later convert them into self-help groups.

State Horticulture Mission executive director H. Arun Kumar told The Hindu on Saturday that orders had been issued for the formation of common interest groups of farmers.

"At present, there is one sweet lime growers association consisting of 200 farmers in Tipparthy in Nalgonda district. They market their own produce," he said.

Spurt in demand

Plans are afoot to form separate associations for mango, sweet lime, sapota, pomegranate, banana, papaya, cashew, flowers, spices and medicinal plants in villages.

This enables farmers to be better equipped to handle the demand from the retail sector that requires steady supply of fruits and vegetables every day. Entry of corporate giants in to retailing business with establishment of a chain of super markets selling fresh fruits and vegetables has already created enough demand for horticultural produce. The Mission plans to focus on 11 districts, said Mr. Arun Kumar.

Other facilities

These associations would be encouraged to avail assistance of the Mission to set up packing houses, cold storage units, refrigerated vans, ripening chambers and drying platforms for spices.

"Twenty five per cent subsidy is available for setting up of such facilities," he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Digvijay finds time for dissidents
TDP against handing over Nadergul lands
Horticulture crops to get separate societies
Safety drive or fleecing tool?
Spic and span village sets an example
`Face-to-Face' comes as saviour
Polavaram: TRS to appeal in apex court
Rain, hailstorm ravage crops
Tax on 44 more services
Workshop on `Green Buildings'
YSR to leave for US today
Technical research agency planned in State
Physiotherapist found dead
`Humanity' theme for World Red Cross Day
Beedi workers take out padayatras
Poor to put up huts in Government lands
IPM to conduct water quality testing in State
APAT names vacation officers
Power shutdown
Around the City
In Hyderabad Today

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu