SHILLONG: A farmers’ mart was set up on the premises of the office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday.
The mart was inaugurated by Commissioner and Secretary of C&RD Department P Sampath Kumar in the presence of farmers and staff of the DC’s office.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar lauded the district administration for the initiative as a measure to promote entrepreneurship and micro enterprises.
“Local products and organic foods should be highly encouraged among consumers, farmers and entrepreneurs,” he said.
The farmers’ mart, a sale outlet of rural local products, was initiated by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Bhagotia under the aegis of IBDLP programme.
The IBDLP programme focuses on enhancement of rural economy through development and promotion of rural entrepreneurs and micro enterprises.
In East Khasi Hills district, approximately 9,000 farmers are registered with the Enterprise Facilitation Centres at the block office for various capacity building and livelihood promotion measures.
Bhagotia, who is also the chairman of the Basin Development Unit of the district, has taken up the initiative of the farmers’ mart as a first step towards providing larger exposure and an organised marketing platform for indigenous products particularly honey, spices and handicraft, besides naturally-farmed vegetables. Unadulterated food products, reasonable prices and better margins to farmer or producers will be the unique selling point of the mart.
Stressing on the need to promote local brands and products, the deputy commissioner said, “The idea behind the farmers’ mart is to re-connect our roots with the farming community and provide a platform for a more organised supply chain and marketing strategy.”
