In the spirit of collective farming to reap higher returns, farmers in Gujarat’s Junagadh have come together to “grow together, sow together.” Literally.
About 306 farmers from seven talukas have set up “Viswadar Taluka Khet Sahakari Mandali Limited.” Mapping a total of 4,000 bighas of land, the entire produce will be sold through the company.
All 306 farmers are shareholders and can avail of help in terms of technical expertise to better the harvest. Plans are afoot for joint procurement of fertilisers, seeds, tractors and farm equipment to ease the burden of individual expense on each.
Once the crop is ready, it will be handed over to the Mandali. The company is responsible for sorting, packaging, processing and marketing of the produce. Added, office bearers will be entrusted charge of scouring the market to find the best possible rate for the yield.
The profit will be divided among all farmers. Thus, not only will the farmer get his crop’s worth, he will also get a share from the profits. A completely self-run venture by farmers, the group is currently in the process of appointing its office bearers.
