In an effort to transform themselves into entrepreneurs, the mango farmers in Karnataka are now starting to set up their own e-retail sites to sell their own produce.
Four farmers have developed their own websites to sell their produce, which director C G Nagaraju of the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMDMCL) described as an attempt to self-sustain. "The portals have aided farmers in establishing a consumer base," Nagaraju remarked.
In 2018, KSMDMCL launched its own dedicated mango-selling platform, which has received a positive reception since then. Its popularity prompted farmers to create their own e-retail portals to sell their produce, claiming that this enabled them cut out the middlemen and increase profits.
"Farmers were harassed by middlemen. We are communicating directly with consumers now that we have our own website," said Venkateshappa, a mango farmer from Chikkaballapura who sold 15 tonnes of mangoes via his website (www.sakkathmango.in) in 2021.
However, due to the influence of the weather this season, the website is not accepting orders.
Marketing Is a Must-Have
Another mango grower in Gauribidanur suggested that they concentrate more on marketing.
"The KSMDMCL website showed us that selling mangos can be profitable," said Aruna Anjanappa, who founded www.kempegowdamangofarm.com earlier this year and has been receiving orders for at least 20 boxes of the fruit every day.
According to a Kolar farmer, having a personal website allows them to sell their stock over a longer period of time.
About KSMDMCL
Kempegowda Mango Farm is located in Doddamallur village in the Madhugiri Taluk in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. Devanahalli is 70 kilometers away. Mr. Anjinappa K- B E in Civil, (MTech civil) from Bangalore Institute of Technology (1982 batch) and Aruna Anjinappa B Sc are the owners of the farm (Computer science). Because their family comes from an agricultural history, their desire to cultivate and support their family has led them to begin practicing agriculture in 1995.
In 2001, they lost agricultural property to the New Airport, but their commitment to agriculture led them to purchase land in Doddamallur. Its 40-acre mango plantation is now ready to provide mango fans.
