Amazon Retail India Pvt. Ltd has announced plans to extend its farm sourcing network across numerous states in north and west India.
The Wai farmer collection center extension in Maharashtra is the third such center in the state as part of Amazon's farm sourcing network growth - an initiative focused on directly interacting with farmers and sourcing fresh produce straight from farms.
Nitin Kale, Deputy Director, Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board, Pune, formally inaugurated the collection center. Prashant Shende, Tehsil Agriculture Officer, Wai Tehsil; Suprabha Chauhan, Village Sarpanch, Asle village; and over 250 farmers and village elders were among those present at the event.
"Amazon is connecting with farmers through its specially trained team of agriculture graduates to help farmers in growing the proper quality grade produce and offering agronomy advisory and buying solutions at the collection center," said Rajesh K Prasad, Category Leader, Amazon Fresh.
"The Wai collection center will have a capability to acquire around 15 metric tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables with pre-cooling unit and cold chain facilities ensuring better keeping quality," said Shashin Shobhane, Amazon's agriculture compliance head.
Amazon has interacted with the departments of horticulture and agriculture in J&K as part of its plan to expand its sourcing network beyond the regular states.
Amazon Fresh is now available in over 300 cities throughout India, providing customers with incredible discounts, a diverse product selection, and fast and simple delivery choices all from one online destination. Amazon Fresh delivers perishable items such as fruits and vegetables, frozen and refrigerated foods such as dairy and meats, dry grocery items, beauty, baby, personal care, and pet products to top 14 cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad.
Customers in these cities may also take advantage of two-hour delivery slots from 6 a.m. to midnight. Customers may buy for dry groceries in the remaining cities, including staples, cooking essentials, snacks, personal care, skin care, pet food, and baby products, with delivery within 1-3 days.