For 25 years, farmers' markets have to obtain their own composting yards

Collector VR Subbulaxmi checked the market near CMC hospital in Anna Salai.

Founded for 25 years, very popular Uzhavar Santhai (Farmer Market) Near the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Anna Salai, restricted by Vellore Corporation restrictions, will soon be given their own composting units to deal with their waste.

Officials from the Agricultural Marketing and Agriculture Business Department that maintained the facility said the farmers’ market was launched in 2000, when the concept was introduced to bypass middlemen and promote farmers’ direct contact with consumers. From then on, its size and patronage will grow. “Since the farmers’ market is located in the heart of the town, buying perishables, especially fresh vegetables, is cheaper than perishable materials in retail stores,” said resident R. Vanaja.

The market is spread over 21,650 square feet, and the market has 82 stores, mainly for vegetables and fruits sold by farmers in neighboring villages. Most of the farmers are from Vellore, Anaicut and Kaniyambadi Taluks. It has more than 300 agricultural villages. These villages are mainly located in the foothills of Jawadhu Hills near the Amirthi Zoo. Stores are assigned to farmers every day based on first-party priorities services.

At least 30 tons of vegetables and fruit are sold at the facility every day on average, the highest of six farmers’ markets in the region.

“Disposal of waste generated within the market remains a huge challenge. The steps to identify the land for building microcompost units have begun,” K. Kalaiselvi, deputy director of the business unit of Agricultural Marketing and Agri, told Hinduism.

Collector VR Subbulaxmi and agricultural officials inspected the market and interacted with consumers.

Officials said a proposal to set up 30 stores on the market has been sent to the state government to nod.

Currently, the Vellore farmers' market produces an average of about 350 kg-500 kg of waste per day. Uncategorized waste is often dumped near lakes and lakes in the outskirts of the town of Velor, contaminating the body of water.

According to the plan, the composting unit will be set up on 1,500 square feet. Plots near the market. Officials said this will help them reduce transportation costs. Vellore Corporation has expanded its support to provide technical expertise in waste disposal. The fertilizer generated by the unit will be provided to farmers for free.

At Vellore Farmers Market, vegetables and fruits are 20% cheaper than vegetables and fruits sold in open markets and street stores. Moreover, unlike the air-conditioning shops run by the company, where perishable goods are preserved, the products here are still fresh.