Kerala govt to intervene in vegetable market

The State Government proposes to meaningfully intervene in the market to bring down prices of fruits and vegetables. These commodities will be supplied through select outlets at concessional prices, according to Mr K. P. Mohanan, Agriculture Minister. He said this while inaugurating a ‘big vegetable bazaar' organised here by the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Kerala (VFPCK). The products would be primarily procured directly from farmer societies within the state. These will be sold at a price lower by 30 per cent than prevailing market rates. Procuring from other States would be resorted to only if the demand far outstrips supplies, the Minister said. At least 25 such retail outlets would be opened in the state involving Supplyco (State civil supplies corporation), the VFPCK, the Horticulture Mission and the agriculture department.