Farmers’ markets in Pune likely to get more space; fresh survey soon

PUNE: The farmers’ markets are likely to get more space in the city, including 34 merged areas, with the civic authorities planning a survey to identify the areas that can be allotted to these markets on a temporary basis.
The move follows the meeting between the farmers’ groups and PMC officials where the former sought more designated locations to expand the scope of the farmers’ markets.
The farmers’ markets eliminate the need of middlemen and are operational on weekly basis at more than 60 locations in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Over 1,000 farmers’ groups are involved in supply and sale of the farm produce at these markets.
The PMC officials said a fresh survey would be conducted to check the possibility of provision of additional spaces. “A review will also be held of existing locations of the markets,” a civic official said.
“We have received updates on the involvement of local vendors at some locations. These locations are being projected by the vendors as farmers’ markets. Hence, a detailed review will be held of the existing locations too. This will help us draw future plan,” the official said.
Citizens frequenting the farmers’ market said the initiative required consistency. Amol Seth, a Baner Road resident, said he has been visiting the farmers’ markets frequently for buying vegetables. “The markets functioned even during the Covid-19 pandemic. But there should be consistency and the farmers’ groups should provide more variety,” Seth said.
Vijay Pawar, who has been associated with a farmer’s group, said many customers were also seeking home delivery of vegetables and fruits. “Many farmers’ groups have set up a mechanism for home deliveries too. The initiative still has huge potential for expansion as many parts of the city are still untapped, including the newly merged areas where huge housing societies have come up,” Pawar said.