Zepto, the e-grocery startup that paved the path for 10-minute delivery in India, today announced the debut of its farmer engagement initiative, "Zepto Bloom," as well as a one-of-a-kind app for its partners in the farmer community.
Farmers who sell on Zepto will be able to simplify their supplies and yields through this app, which will digitize every step of the process, from seeding to selling.
During the launch of the company with onboard farmers from Maharashtra in Manchar, Pune the firm announced that it would be adding over 300 farmers from Maharashtra to the app.
The farmer app is a one-stop shop that will take care of all of the demands of farmers, from tracking the crop cycle (from planting to harvesting) to getting money on the sale of the goods without any problems.
Farmers will be able to sell their goods directly through the app through collection centers set up around communities, avoiding the headache of price auctions and drawn-out credit transactions with market purchasers. It will also help farmers to pick their trade destination using the app while having comprehensive access to the crop prices.
In addition to this, the farmers will have access to agronomic assistance during production, clarity regarding demand and grading during the harvesting season, a guaranteed buyback, and on-the-ground assistance.
“The demand for fruits and vegetables among our customers has grown exponentially. More than 50% of Zepto’s orders comprise fresh fruits and vegetables, making it one of our strongest categories. It is our deep relationship with the farmer community, and our ability to help them realize the best potential for their yields, that has made it possible for us to meet this soaring demand. As we grow, we are committed to creating more value for our customers and farmers alike” said Vinay Dhanani, Chief Operating Officer, Zepto.
He further added that currently, Zepto sources directly from over a thousand farmers from across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In 2023, the company plans to extend its farmer network to the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand through its Zepto Bloom Programme.
Srinibas Swain, Senior Vice-President, Business Head for Fresh Category, said, “Our vision at Zepto is to deliver the best quality farm fresh produce to Indian homes by building a solid and seamless farmer network in the country. Through this program and our app, we aim to build industry-best supply chain practices and ensure transparency in the process. By supporting the farmers with fair pricing, setting quality standards in seeds and crops, aiding the collection process, optimizing wastage and return, enabling tech know-how, and financing through partnerships with NBFCs, Zepto Bloom will help farmers grow stride for stride with quick commerce.”
