Initiative:

A Joint Front

Beneficiaries:

Banana farmers in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh

The Challenge:

• Farmers unaware of prevailing market rates often sold their crop to traders at minimal profit
• An average of 5 crore lost locally on account of inability to access markets
• Lack of knowledge about market dynamics
• Motivating and educating farmers to come together

The Solution:

• NABARD helped in formation of Chagantipadu Farmers Club
• Members came together to form the Sri Vigneswara Farmers Mutually Aided Marketing Cooperative Society
• A banana market yard was established for direct selling of bananas with the help of the Society
• Capacity-building support provided to highlight the power of joint marketing

The Impact:

• Farmers able to nearly double their income through optimum price discovery in the market yard
• Construction of own pucca storage-cummarket yards and processing plants by other Farmers Clubs formed by NABARD