Patna: In a major push to strengthen Bihar’s agricultural economy and provide better market opportunities for vegetable growers, the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Cooperative Federation Limited (Vegfed) organized a state-level buyer-seller conference in Patna on Monday. The event was inaugurated by Cooperative Minister Ramkripal Yadav.
Minister Highlights 'Har Thali Mein Bihari Tarkari' Campaign
Addressing the gathering, the minister said the ‘Har Thali Mein Bihari Tarkari’ campaign aimed to connect Bihar’s farmers with national and international markets. He emphasized that the state government was committed to increasing farmers’ income by linking them with modern marketing systems, food processing facilities, and major corporate buyers.
Focus on Market-Oriented Farming
Ramkripal stated that Bihar’s economic progress depended on the prosperity of farmers and stressed the importance of market-oriented farming for rural empowerment. He urged farmers to adopt modern techniques and leverage government schemes to boost productivity and profitability.
Vegfed's Role in Direct Market Linkages
Cooperative Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh said Vegfed was helping farmers secure fair prices by directly connecting them with markets through Primary Vegetable Producer Cooperative Societies (PVCS). He noted that the federation was already supplying vegetables to major organizations such as Hindustan Unilever and Mother Dairy, ensuring stable demand and better returns for growers.
Rs 100 Crore MoUs Signed
During the conference, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and work orders worth nearly Rs 100 crore were signed between companies and vegetable producer groups. This development raises hopes for stronger procurement, processing, and marketing networks across Bihar, enabling farmers to access larger markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
Attendance and Future Prospects
The programme was attended by Registrar Rajneesh Kumar Singh, Managing Director Gagan, and other senior officials of the cooperative department, along with representatives of vegetable unions and PVCS organizations. The conference is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between farmers and corporate entities, driving agricultural growth in the state.
