The Shimla government has been planning on marketing natural farming produce and has worked out three branches of strategy. "We want to encourage farmers to sell their produce locally." On a trial basis, year-round outlets for selling their products will be opened in Shimla and Mandi, as well as one in Delhi.
According to Rajeshwar Chandel, Executive Director of Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana, "farmer producer businesses are being formed to help farmers sell their produce at remunerative prices and in a transparent way."
The most difficult task for natural farming farmers and horticulturists is to find a market for their products at a reasonable price. "Locals should have priority when it comes to safe and nutritious food."
As a result, we want farmers to sell a large amount of their produce locally," Chandel explains.
"We're building 1,000 canopies for farmers so they can sell their produce in the neighborhood. He said, "We've already issued 50 canopies and are awaiting comments."
After that, farmers would be able to sell their produce at government-run facilities in Shimla, Mandi, and Delhi. "As demand dictates, the number of outlets will be increased."
"Demand will grow once people realize they can get food things all year long anywhere," adds Chandel.
This year, the state is planning up to 20 farmer producer firms, with at least four of them expected to be registered within the next two months. Following initial training, the government expects small businesses to operate on their own.
"We've signed a memorandum of understanding with Access Livelihood, a Hyderabad-based social enterprise that will teach two people from the cluster where a company will be founded."
They will be informed about government initiatives and subsidies available to the company, as well as government compliance, according to Chandel. "They will then train additional members of their cluster to build an independent and viable company," he continues.
Once these businesses are established, it will be simple to determine the exact amount of produce on hand at any one time, as well as how much more is expected.
"Once we know how much produce is expected," Chandel explains, "we can put the companies in touch with the purchasers."
