‘House’ That For Reforms? Residential Societies In Maharashtra Can Now Run Shops To Sell Farm Produce

Housing societies in Maharashtra will now be allowed to run stores through their management committees to sell farm produce to its members, Indian Express has reported. The scheme is part of the Atal Mahapanan Vikas Abhiyaan which aims to cut the role of middlemen in the sale of farm produce.

The societies can allot a 100 square feet space inside the premises or also allow a mobile truck for the sale of farm produce. However, a senior official pointed out that the construction of a pucca building inside housing societies can lead to the violation of floor space index and fire safety norms. The societies can also allow an agro company, farmer produce organisation (FPO), or a woman self-help group (SHG) after having a formal agreement.

The state’s cooperative department issued orders regarding this plan with an aim to ensure that the state’s sprawling urban population gets fresh vegetables at affordable prices while also helping farmers get a better price for their produce by cutting through the network of middlemen the currently riddles the system.