Farmers log on to social media to maximise sales

Social media has been an important platform for farmers over the past few years. According to them, Facebook and WhatsApp groups have lent a helping hand in extending their business and reaching out to people living in different parts of the country.

Social media helps the farmers to connect with an urban population and increase their business of selling seasonal fruits and vegetables they grow in their farms.

Recently, Nashik-based farmer Prashant Kshirsagar (34) joined a farmer's market group on Facebook. Having received a good response within a few days, selling out the raisin that he produced by drying grapes, Kshirsagar said: "A few weeks ago, I joined the farmer's market group. It helped me sell my products without even stepping out of my farm. I have got calls from different states. Within 15 days, I sold out 83kg of raisins. Over 70 people called from Mumbai. Many people who want to buy a product have certain doubts. We resolve these by writing a description and posting pictures of the product we want to sell."

Vinay Ketkar, a resident of Thane, is part of a group of farmers named 'We Farmers' at his native Chiplun. Through different social media platforms, he helps market the fruits and dry fruits grown by the farmers in this group.

After getting a healthy response selling Alphonso mangoes in the summer this year, Ketkar is now looking to sell cashewnuts. According to him, social media helps display the products better and connect with customers in any location through mails, WhatsApp or Facebook posts.

Ketkar said: "Social media helps connect with like-minded people. I can get in touch with people even when I am at my native place. The quality of the products matters a lot when a person trusts you. It is a cost effective way for selling the products. The farmers need to give out more information in a descriptive manner."

Talking about how the monetary transactions work, Ketkar, said, "If it's a bulk order, we prefer home delivery, whereas a minor order is carried out via courier. The mode of transaction depends upon person to person."

Kavita Mukhi who started a Facebook group called 'The Farmer's Market' in 2010, has over 15,000 members in the group, including farmers and the consumer. Mukhi said, "When we organise an organic farmer's market in the city, we spread the word through this group. A majority of the farmers are from Maharashtra. Awareness levels about using organic fruits and vegetables have been increasing. We can see the platform being used regularly."