Covid-19: Maharashtra farmers plan a ‘constructive campaign’

Shetkari Sanghatana, the apex body of farmers in Maharashtra, has prepared a ‘constructive campaign’ that will connect farmers to consumers and aid immediate sale of agricultural create without having middlemen.

“The coronavirus disaster has developed an opportunity to reinforce the backlink concerning farmers and consumers and get rid of middlemen. Previously, some younger farmers are furnishing greens to flats and societies in different metropolitan areas. After the governing administration withdraws the lockdown, farmers will carry on to develop the chain and start a exclusive marketing campaign,” stated Anil Ghanwat, President of the Sanghatana.

He added that the Sanghatana had appealed to farmers to sign up for the agitation. The Sanghatana will inspire farmers to set up everyday bazaars for fruits and greens on the fringes of metropolitan areas. Amchya gavat – rast bhavat (At our village, at truthful costs) is the tagline farmers will use for the marketing campaign.

‘Blessing in disguise’

“Both farmers and consumers will be benefit as there will be no intermediary. Agriculture should be strengthened to quit migration to metropolitan areas and farmers should get remunerative costs for their create so that they can start off agri-processing companies in villages. This could be the new commencing for farmers and consumers,” stated Ghanwat. He added that Covid-19 has proved a blessing in disguise and it could open up the doorways of economic liberty to farmers.

Agri-entrepreneur and farmer Prashant Pawar stated that farmers need to grab the opportunity and just take reins in their possess arms. “It is the right time for farmers to determine the price of their create and not depend on intermediary and companies to determine the price. Young farmers can use social media platforms to connect with consumers,” stated Pawar.

BusinessLine just lately described that small farmers in Maharashtra are becoming a member of arms to just take greens and fruits to the doorsteps of housing societies as significant markets and Agricultural Develop Current market Committees (APMCs) are not absolutely performing for the reason that of the lockdown.