KOCHI: The vegetable and fruit exhibition-cum-sale of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) has come as a relief for Kochiites. Compared to open market rates, the vegetables and fruits are sold at 30 percent subsidised rate. Beetroot is sold for Rs. 14 per kg while cabbage is priced at Rs. 10.50, carrot Rs. 18.90 and banana at Rs. 29 per kg. VFPCK has been organising such sales since 2008. VFPCK, a Kerala government undertaking, is promoting the self-help group of farmers through this initiative. The farmers can sell their produce through direct auction which enables them to get maximum benefit. There is no interference of middlemen. “VFPCK procures goods directly from the farmers and government also funds Rs. 35 lakh for this,” said George Prasanth, deputy manager, VFPCK. A total of 100 VFPCK Onam markets in the state are functioning, even at the panchayat level. The market will close on September 8. Banana chips, ‘sarkarapuratti’ and ‘Pandhalam sarkara’ are also on sale. Banana chips and ‘sarkarapuratti’ cost only Rs. 40 per kg. The ‘Pandhalam sarkara’, manufactured at the Kerala Agriculture Department in Idukki without using any solidifying additives, is in great demand. “The market is very helpful to us,” said Radhakrishnan Kammath, a consumer. VFPCK’s initiative certainly has many people rejoicing.
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