Maharashtra Plans Special Shopping Malls for Farmers to Sell Produce Directly

Strategic Insights -

Maharashtra's Agriculture department is planning to construct special shopping malls in different parts of the state, where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers. The malls will be built on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and will utilize land parcels owned by the Agriculture department. The pilot project is expected to be set up soon, aiming to provide farmers with a steady financial earning and address the issue of fluctuating market prices for their produce.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maharashtra Agriculture department plans to construct special shopping malls in different parts of the state, utilizing land parcels owned by the department.
  • The malls will be built on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with 50% of the space allocated for farmers, farmer bodies, self-help groups, and farm producers' companies to set up shops.
  • The remaining 50% space will be given to private players for commercial use on a 30-40 year lease basis.
  • The pilot project will involve constructing one such shopping mall in each administrative division of the state, with a big city in each district planned to house a mall based on its success.
  • The land currently lying vacant or being encroached upon by the Agriculture department will be put into use, providing a steady financial earning to farmers.
  • The main factor affecting farmers, as identified by the Agriculture minister, is the fluctuating market prices for their produce.

Statistics:

  • Over 35,000 acres of land owned by the Maharashtra Agriculture department across the state.
  • 50% of the shopping mall space will be allocated for farmers, farmer bodies, self-help groups, and farm producers' companies.
  • 30-40 years lease basis for private players to use the remaining 50% space.
  • Pilot project to be set up in each administrative division of the state.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd. (Copyright 2025) via Contify.com

Note: The original text is dated 2025, and I have cited it exactly as it appears, without adding any dates or details that are not explicitly mentioned.