The Maharashtra government has started the Chief Minister Agro and Food Processing scheme wherein produce will be processed and will be given fair rates.
According to the chief minister, the central and state governments will fund subsidies on vegetable and fruit processing units on a 75:25 basis.
"Currently, farmers are selling it raw in the market. So they are unable to get fair prices. Also, there are more chances of vegetables and fruits perishing. This scheme will encourage firms and farmer groups to start their own firm and process vegetables and fruits," said a senior government official, requesting anonymity.
Minister for Agriculture Pandurang Fundkar said this scheme would prove fruitful.
"Farmers should get the benefit of this scheme. There were a few state-owned food processing units which are now completely defunct. We have restarted them by providing funds. This move will help reduce the farmers' suicides as they will be able to process their vegetables and fruits in their own locality, and the processed fruits will get better prices than the raw ones," Pundkar said. The government has also issued a notification stating that the central government has undertaken the national mission on food processing.
"Farmer should use modern technology to process and preserve vegetables and fruits. It will also help increase the quality and durability of fruits after processing. The product will then be promoted and marketed. Export promotion too will have to be undertaken," stated the circular issued by the state agriculture department.
A senior government official said that all these processing units based on horticulture produces will be integrated.
& analysis
In Maharashtra, there is no shortage of raw produce, but farmers are deprived of good rates due to lack of processing facilities, often forced to dump their crops due to falling prices. This scheme will open up new avenues for farmers and increase durability of a perishable product. Also, large-scale exports will fetch good prices, and help curb farmers' suicides.
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