Tendering process to zero in on agency for the centre for subsidised vegetables in Goregaon (E) has begun.
The collection and distribution centre for subsidised vegetables in Goregaon (E) is all set to be operational in the next few months as the tendering process to invite agencies started on October 11.
The building stands on a three-and-a-half acre land and has a carpet area of 50,000sq feet inside the compound of the Maharashtra Agro Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC).
“The process started off on October 11 and will go on till November 30,” said Milind Acre, general secretary of Maharashtra State Marketing Board, which is responsible for carrying out the
tender process.
“The chosen agency will facilitate the collection, receiving and distribution process between the farmers and the distribution centres across the city. It will be responsible for tie ups with farmers’ groups and will connect with the retailers,” said Dangat.
“The centre will act as the receiving centre for fresh vegetables straight from the farmers. Then
the distribution mechanism such as the grading and cleaning of the vegetables will be taken care of by the agency, before sending them to the authorised retailers for distribution. We will also set up a proper transport system for distribution,” said Dangat.
A call centre will also be set up in the building, which will aid delivery of the vegetables. “We, however, are not sure whether the call centre will be able to meet individual demands immediately,” he added.
Westcoast residents have welcomed the initiative as they will be able to procure fresh vegetables from farmers at a much lower price. “It’s surely a good initiative. For the last two months, I have been buying vegetables from the centre in Star Bazaar. Not only are the vegetables cheaper, but they’re also fresh and preservative-free. With a dedicated centre in Goregaon, the process will improve and become smoother,” said Suhail Ansari, Andheri resident.
Dangat said that MAIDC and the Maharashtra State Marketing Board are discussing the project. “A project report has to be prepared. Cleaning and repairing of the building will also start soon,” said Dangat.
The fair price vegetable centres serve as a direct point of contact between consumers and farmers as they eliminate middlemen and ensure good price for the vegetables. Several private players such as Apna Bazaar and Star Bazaar have started centres in their outlets. More than 106 stores are already operational in the city. “I am sure once the master centre opens, more subsidised vegetable centres will come up. As a result, there will be better access to fresh and cheap vegetables, more for those who stay in the western suburbs,” said Payal Prasad, a Goregaon (E) resident.
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