From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 28: The National Trade Fair on Organics and Millets 2017, which got off in Bengaluru on Friday, saw the online retail company, Big Basket Ltd, entering into an agreement with Davangere and Chitradurga District Organic Farmers Federation as part of the plans for ensuring linkages between retail sector and the farming sector.

Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda has been making systematic efforts to encourage the cultivation and marketing of organic farming and millets.

The official exchange of intent between M/s Big Basket and the ‘Davangere and Chitradurga District Organic Farmers federation’ will establish direct procurement linkages.

Both parties have expressed interest in collaborating for the supply and procurement of millets to the tune of approximately 500 metric tons, valued at Rs 2.50 crore.

Uttara Kannada District Organic Farmers Federation has also expressed interest for the supply and procurement of organic spices to the tune of approximately 300 metric tons valued at Rs 12.00 crore. 

Big Basket had agreed to facilitate the market linkages to Uttara Kannada District Organic Farmers Federation which would benefit the farmer group to obtain a price gain to the tune of 15-20% over and above the prevalent market prices. 

Big Basket intends to train farmer groups on grading, packing and quality aspects. The intention is also to self-produce directly from farmers to consumers. 

Both sides will explore options for co-branding as well.  This is a big step towards “From farmers to consumers” direct linkages.  

Other companies have also shown interest to tie up directly with Farmer Groups for procurement. 

"This is a win-win proposition for both parties. By overcoming the role of middleman, farmers can get better prices and even retail prices could come down. We see this as a very promising way forward,’’ the minister said.