Maharashtra to build special shopping malls on PPP model for farmers to sell produce directly

In a move aimed at empowering farmers and improving market access, Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate has announced plans to construct special shopping malls across the state where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers. These malls will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which involves collaboration between the government and private sector to jointly fund, develop, and manage infrastructure projects. The goal is to eliminate middlemen, increase farmers’ income, and offer consumers fresh, local produce at reasonable prices.

The proposed malls will be built on approximately 35,000 acres of land owned by the Agriculture Department, much of which is currently either vacant or encroached upon in various cities. The project is currently in the pilot phase, with initial implementation expected soon.

According to the plan, 50% of each mall's space will be allocated to private players for commercial use, allowing them to establish shops and showrooms of their choice. This space is likely to be leased out for a duration of 30 to 40 years, providing long-term commercial incentives for investors. The remaining 50% of the mall area will be exclusively reserved for farmer bodies, self-help groups (SHGs), farm producer companies (FPCs), and even individual farmers, enabling them to operate their own retail outlets and engage directly with consumers.

This innovative approach not only seeks to promote farmer entrepreneurship, but also aims to utilize idle government land assets more productively. By integrating agricultural marketing with urban retail infrastructure, the initiative hopes to create a win-win model for farmers, private investors, and consumers alike.