Agriculture Department to Launch 2,000 Onam Markets This Year

Swift Summary

• The Agriculture department will operate 2,000 Onam markets across Kerala from September 1 to 4.
• Of these, 1,076 markets will be directly run by the department; the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) and Kerala State Horticultural Products Progress Corporation (Horticorp) will handle the rest (160 and 764 markets respectively).
• Vegetables and fruits procured from farmers are priced at a 10% higher cost compared to normal rates but sold to consumers at a discounted rate of 30%.
• Produce grown using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or organic methods is purchased at a premium of 20%, then sold with a discount of 10%.
• The State government has allocated ₹13 crore for market intervention during Onam.
• Measures have been initiated by Horticorp for procuring potatoes and shallots from other states, bypassing wholesale dealers through farmer producer organizations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Kerala government’s decision to establish Onam markets reflects a dual-purpose strategy: ensuring price fairness for farmers while providing discounted produce to consumers. This initiative could serve as an effective model in addressing both agricultural sustainability and consumer affordability. By incentivizing GAP and organic farming practices, it encourages long-term environmental benefits while promoting healthier food production methods. Additionally, bypassing wholesale dealers through direct procurement signifies an effort toward minimizing middlemen’s impact on pricing dynamics-a step that might resonate positively among both producers and consumers.The allocation of ₹13 crore indicates considerable government commitment; though, monitoring implementation efficacy remains essential for achieving intended goals.If successfully executed, this intervention could alleviate immediate financial pressures on farmers while making festive celebrations more accessible economically for families in Kerala during Onam.

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