Prayagraj: Efforts to promote healthy eating and organic farming in the city have encountered a setback after the dedicated organic market at Mundera Mandi was closed due to insufficient buyers and low footfall. Now, authorities are planning to establish a new market for organic products in the Civil Lines area, aiming to connect farmers directly with consumers from higher income groups.
Government Push for Organic and Millet Products
This initiative comes at a time when both the central government and the Uttar Pradesh state government are actively promoting organic products and Shri Anna (millet-based) food items for healthier lifestyles. The organic farming movement in the district gained momentum during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with several hectares of farmland gradually brought under organic cultivation. After nearly two years of soil preparation and adaptation, farmers began producing organic vegetables and grains on a larger scale. However, marketing the produce soon emerged as a major challenge.
Failure of the Mundera Mandi Organic Market
To support farmers, the Mandi Parishad had previously developed an organic market within Mundera Mandi at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. The market was specifically created to provide farmers with a space to sell organic produce directly to consumers. Despite initial operations, the market eventually failed to sustain itself due to low footfall and weak publicity. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma, explained that the market had to be shut because the wholesale nature of Mundera Mandi did not support retail organic sales. Most people visit the mandi for bulk purchases, while organic products are comparatively more expensive and generally attract a different consumer base.
New Market in Civil Lines
Officials now believe that opening the market in Civil Lines may provide better visibility and access to buyers willing to spend more on premium-quality organic food. The Mandi Export Promotion Group of the Mandi Parishad is currently searching for a suitable location in the area, and the market is expected to open soon. Meanwhile, several farmers associated with Farmer Producer Groups are selling organic produce through mobile vans and temporary outlets at different locations across the district. Authorities hope the new initiative will revive demand and provide much-needed support to farmers engaged in organic cultivation.
