Horticulture farmers to get exclusive market in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has been planning to set up exclusive markets for horticulture farmers, allowing them to sell their produce at fair prices. Overall, 11 districts, such as Indore, Burhanpur, Shajapur, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Badnawar, Ratlam, Neemuch, Bhopal, Jaora, and Shujalpur, have been selected for exclusive horticulture markets. Horticulture and Food Processing Minister Narayan Singh Kushwaha had recently interacted with the Horticulture Board and discussed this matter.

The minister believed that such a market would provide fair prices to farmers and encourage them to grow more horticulture crops. The Horticulture Crop Market Board is set to supervise the markets. Initially, arrangements are to be made for the sale of horticulture crops in these markets, where all the facilities like grading, sorting, packing, cold storage, and cold chains will be provided.

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Kushwaha directed officials, including the Director of Horticulture and other experts, to conduct a survey and submit a report within a month. These high-tech markets will enable farmers to sell their crops directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen. Currently, horticulture and agriculture crops are being sold in the same markets.

The minister also inspected the department’s schemes and asked the officials to make the online application process simple so that farmers can get maximum benefits. Interested farmers can apply on the department’s portal www.mpfsts.mp.gov.in, and selection will take place on eligibility criteria. This initiative is expected to boost horticulture production in the state.