AgroSpectrum Magazine - Agrospectrum India Nov 2024

In this issue

CAN P3 VEGETABLE APPROACH Bolster SUPPLY CHAIN? The Centre is planning to set up vegetable production clusters near major cities to increase production and supply chains. The clusters will be developed in partnership with the private sector, Farmer Producer Societies (FPS), and cooperative bodies. The goal is to have consumers buy vegetables from retail shops and vending trucks in their locality. The clusters will be set up in a radius of 50 km from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The scheme will provide support for: Implementing agencies, decentralised cold storage facilities, Procurement of vending trucks and vans, Fruit and vegetable processing, and setting up kiosks and retail outlets in residential areas. The government will also promote Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and startups for vegetable supply chains. The government can facilitate the establishment of these clusters by providing infrastructure support, budgetary allocations, and subsidies to farmers for adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices. These subsidies can help farmers invest in advanced equipment, irrigation systems, and post-harvest solutions that are otherwise cost-prohibitive. These initiatives will go a long way in setting up vegetable production clusters across the country.