Fresh vegetables through societies: move clicks

“The logic was to make cheap vegetables available. If brinjal costs Rs 10 per kg,then in the retail market only 250 gm is available at Rs 10. These vegetable centres may charge fees for service,but it will still be cheaper than in the retail market,” said Satish Kothmire. The government resolution was issued on August 20; as an incentive,the APMC has decided not to charge these centres any cess fee till October 20.

Many of these centres are being run by SHGs. On September 4,the Hari Om SHG started one in Padmavati with an order of Rs 150. Since then,there have been days when the group has sold vegetables worth Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000.

“People are very keen on purchasing vegetables from us. We are holding talks with a housing society with over 250 members,” said Radhika Kanegaonkar.

The Hari Om SHG is also taking orders over telephone; these vegetables would be delivered the next day.

At Vadagaon Dhayri,five housing societies have come up with a common vegetable center.

Other centers are at Katraj,and Pimpri Chinchwad. APMC officials say they would welcome any proposal from these centers for selling food grains or pulses or even sugar.

“We haven’t received any proposal to this regard from any center,but there should be no problem if any society wishes to start with food grains,” Kothmire said.