Kakinada: State government has introduced Rythu Ratham – mobile rythu bazaar – for the benefit of farmers. Consumers will be able to buy vegetables at cheaper prices than open market prices as farmers will directly sell their produce to them at their doorsteps. According to sources, horticulture department initially launched the project in three villages: Parimitadapa village in Eleswaram mandal (SCs), Gurrampalem village in Jaggampet mandal (STs) and Tatiparti village in Gollaprolu mandal (general) in East Godavari district.
The department formed groups and societies comprising 10 to 15 farmers as members and provides vehicles to them at a cost of Rs 5.70 lakh. For Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes, the vehicles have been provided with cent per cent subsidy. General category beneficiary should bear Rs 1 lakh as his/her share and remaining amount would be borne by the government.
The farmers themselves will fix the price, basing on the cost of cultivation and sell it to neighbouring villages through vehicles. “It is a great opportunity for farmers to get good price for their produce and at the same time it would help the consumers to get vegetables at cheaper cost than open market,” said K. Gopi Kumar.
