In a strategic move, two Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) from Perambalur have forged a partnership with the Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation (HORTICORP) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is set to directly link Perambalur's shallot growers with HORTICORP, facilitating the procurement of their small onions. This initiative, spearheaded by the district administration, aims to ensure that local farmers receive better compensation for their produce while circumventing the need for intermediaries.
The agreement was inked by the Perambalur District Maize and Small Onion Farmer Producer Company Limited and the Alathur Collective Farming Farmer Producer Company Limited with HORTICORP. This development followed a session of the District Export Promotion Committee, led by Collector Grace Pachuau on December 17. Perambalur has been at the forefront of shallot cultivation in the state for more than ten years, with the rabi season witnessing the highest yield across approximately 5,900 hectares.
Sub Collector Gokul highlighted the genesis of this initiative, noting the challenges shallot farmers face regarding fair pricing and market access due to middlemen. Through this MoU, HORTICORP commits to purchasing shallots at prices determined by the local farmers' market, in addition to covering transportation costs and paying the FPOs a nominal fee for each kilogram of shallots procured. The agreement, subject to renewal every five months based on the success of shallot sales, also opens the door for future procurement of other vegetables from Perambalur farmers.
Local farmer P Periyasamy expressed optimism about the MoU, emphasizing its potential to mitigate dependency on middlemen for selling their harvest.
Source: New Indian Express