The Uzhavar Sandhai at Hasthampatti has sold over 1,560 metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables in evening sales over the last two years, said Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi on Tuesday.
During a programme titled Niranthathu Manam, the Collector inspected the Hasthampatti Uzhavar Sandhai and interacted with farmers and the public.
Speaking to reporters, the Collector said that to improve farmers’ profit and sell fruits and vegetables at affordable rates to the public, Uzhavar Sandhais function at 13 places in the district, including Suramangalam, Hasthampatti, Ammapet, Dadagapatti, Attur, Attaiyampatti, Thammampatti, Jalakandapuram, Edappadi, Mecheri, Mettur, Elampillai, and Vazhapadi.
Evening sales were inaugurated at the Hasthampatti market on October 22, 2022, by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for the convenience of people who go to work. The market, which operates from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., has sold a total of 1,560 metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables since its opening. The evening market provides opportunities for farmers who are unable to sell their goods in the morning. On average, about 1.55 metric tonnes of produce are brought to the market each day, generating approximately ₹83,000 in sales.
The initiative benefits an average of 17 farmers and 378 individuals daily. In total, 4,770 farmers have received identity cards to sell their produce at 13 Uzhavar Shandies in the district. Of these, 2,746 farmers have renewed their cards, and efforts are underway to assist the remaining farmers with the renewal process, as stated by the collector.
During the inspection, officials from concerned departments accompanied the Collector.
Published - February 11, 2025 07:11 pm IST
