‘Mayur Fresh’ to boost SHG, farmers’ economy

BARIPADA: In a bid to improve the economic condition of women self-help groups (SHGs) and set up a market linkage for vegetable farmers, the Mayurbhanj district administration on Thursday launched ‘Mayur Fresh’. Under the pilot project, members of SHGs will buy vegetables from the local farmers and supply those to residential schools in the district.

In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Baripada block and one Maa Mangala SHG has been engaged for the work. After reviewing its success, the project will be replicated in all other blocks in the district. Within seven days of supply of vegetables, SHGs concerned will get their money from the residential schools.

Flagging off the ‘Mayur Fresh’ vegetable vehicles on the premises of Baripada block office, Collector Surendra Kumar Meena said the project will be beneficial for both farmers and women. Earlier, the SHGs were engaged for supplying food stuff to anganwadi centres and it was successful. ‘Mayur Fresh’ is a similar initiative to boost the economic condition of SHGs and help farmers in selling their produces at their doorstep, he added.

The Collector said sometimes farmers resort to distress sale of their produce due to lack of marketing linkage and excess production. The project will help them sell their vegetables through the SHGs and it will create a win-win situation for all stakeholders, he added.

District Welfare Officer (DWO) Krupasindhu Behera, who was present during the flagging off ceremony, said the district has at least 872 residential schools and their management committees have been asked to avail the facility launched by the administration.