Coimbatore: The eighth direct farm outlet has been opened in Coimbatore, benefiting around 750 farmers directly and nearly 15,000 farmers indirectly by enabling them to sell their produce without middlemen.
The direct farm outlet has been opened on Sundapalayam Road in Thondamuthur as the fourth branch of the Palamalai Farmers Producer Company. G Ranganathan, state organising secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, said the outlet was launched to benefit farmers in the Periyanaickenpalayam block of Coimbatore district. Around 50 varieties of products, including vegetables, grains, turmeric and fruits, will be sold at the outlet. He said the products will be marketed in both raw and value-added forms. The outlet is expected to directly benefit 750 farmers who are members of the producer company and indirectly support more than 15,000 farmers engaged in agriculture in the region.
With farm produce often becoming 30% to 50% costlier by the time it reaches retail stores, the direct farm outlet is expected to ensure better returns for farmers while offering lower prices to consumers. Under the model, farmers are likely to earn an additional 5% to 10% profit, while the outlet operates on a margin of around 5%. For instance, coconuts that are usually sold at retail shops for Rs 60 to Rs 75 per kg will be available at the outlet for Rs 52 to Rs 55 per kg, enabling customers to save up to Rs 10-20 per kg.
Speaking at the launch event, M Tamilselvi, deputy director of the district agriculture department, said the outlet would benefit both farmers and the public by enabling the sale of agricultural produce without intermediaries. She also encouraged farmers to not only sell their produce through the outlet but also purchase products available there.
Nandini Rangasamy, managing director of a private group, highlighted that inadequate water supply has severely affected agriculture and caused losses to farmers. She also stressed the need to prevent environmental pollution, warning that it could significantly impact the farming sector.
