Patna. The Bihar government is working on an ambitious plan to set up a Tarkari outlet (vegetable sales center) in 200 blocks of the state on behalf of the cooperative department. The objective of this scheme is to get local vegetable producing farmers free from middlemen, increase their income and provide fresh and local produced vegetables to consumers at a reasonable price.

Format of scheme

Tarkari outlets will be set up in 200 blocks of the state through primary vegetable productive cooperatives (VVCS). The construction of each outlet will cost an estimated Rs 7.44 lakh, out of which 50% amount i.e. Rs 3.72 lakh will be given by the state government as a grant. The maximum time limit for construction has been fixed at six months.

Structure and operation

Each outlet will have a pre-fabricated structure of 15 × 10 sq ft, in which local VVCS farmers will sell their produced vegetables. This will increase the chances of getting better prices in the market and will provide fresh, safe and inexpensive vegetables to consumers.

Technical cooperation

Bihar State Store Construction Corporation will provide technical assistance in the construction of these outlets. The institution is also playing an important role in the development of cold storage, warehouses, grading-provision platforms and local mandi along with ensuring the quality of building construction.

Impact of scheme

With this scheme, where farmers will be able to reach their products directly to the market, they will also get relief from exploitation by middlemen. This will increase the income of farmers and their livelihood will be safe. On the other hand, fresh vegetables will be available to consumers at a reasonable price, which will promote a balanced and nutritious diet in both rural and urban areas.