The Kerala State Horticulture Produce Development Corporation (Horticulture) on Wednesday started procurement of vegetables from Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu as part of a market intervention program to check price rise in the state.
Twelve tonnes of vegetables were collected from six farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) in Tenkasi district. It was expected to reach Pathanamthitta on Wednesday night.
The initial consignment consisted of 750 kg tomato, 510 kg brinjal (two varieties), 1,900 kg shallot, 915 kg ladyfinger, 765 kg snake and 270 kg cluster beans. Horticorp Managing Director J. Sanjeev said the vegetables would be distributed in Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts.
Horticorp plans to make purchases on all days in the first week. Thereafter, it will be trimmed three times a week. The quantum of purchase will vary depending on the requirement, Mr. Sanjeev said, adding that orders have been placed for Thursday and Friday.
Horticorp had entered into an agreement with a consortium of seven Tenkasi FPOs for outright procurement as part of a market intervention measure initiated by the Agriculture Department to keep prices low. As per the deal, the bills have to be settled within 24 hours.
,