TN govt to set up 100 farmers markets: Minister

Tamil Nadu to set up 100 farmers markets, announced Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam. The government will allocate Rs 5 crore for the project, facilitating easy access to quality agricultural produce and value-added products for urban consumers. The markets will directly procure produce from farmers and distribute fruit crop saplings.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam revealed plans to establish 100 Uzhavur Angadis (farmers markets) across the state. An amount of Rs 5 crore has been allocated for this project, aiming to provide easy access to quality agricultural produce and value-added products for urban consumers.

Panneerselvam stated, “The farmers markets will be established to facilitate easy access to quality agricultural produce as well as value added products to the urban consumers.” This initiative will directly procure agriculture produce from farmers, grade, pack, brand, and sell through Uzhavur Angadis.

In addition to the farmers markets, the government will provide kits comprising saplings of banana, papaya, moringa, and curry leaf to encourage the cultivation of nutritious fruit crops in home gardens. Panneerselvam emphasized that this initiative aims to provide access to pesticide-free, non-toxic fruits and vegetables, with an allocation of Rs 4 crore earmarked for the scheme.

The announcement was made while presenting the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget for the year 2024-25. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring the availability of quality agricultural products for consumers across the state.