Amazon will now procure apple, stone fruit, and vegetable in Himachal Pradesh. “Just two days back, Amazon launched its first collection center in Balag. It is the first time it has come to the state, and its presence would help farmers and producers obtain fair prices,” said Naresh Sharma, head of the Shimla and Kinnaur APMC.
“Large corporations such as Amazon, Reliance, and Big Basket operate their own retail outlets. Farmers and producers benefit when these companies take produce off the regular market and sell it at a higher price. That is why, in addition to boosting our own marketing yards, we are promoting private players,” Sharma explained.
He said that the APMC had completed all necessary preparations for a smooth apple marketing season, and that the state's mandis would be made online within a month. “The software program is complete, and the IT Department will approve it. Farmers will be able to see the rates in different mandis with a single click once the facility is functioning. Traders will also be able to apply for their licenses online,” he added.
Sharma further stated that work on improving the network of mandis as well as the construction of a controlled atmosphere (CA) store and cold chain points is in full swing.
He further added that the SIT established to assist growers in recovering money from traders had recovered Rs 18 crore out of a total of Rs 35 crore.“Rs 25 crore has also been set aside for the construction of tiny roads or paths to assist farmers in getting their produce to the main road,” he added.
