RUDRAPUR: IIM-Kashipur and the Uttarakhand Agricultural Producers and Marketing Board (UKAPMB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a project, starting in June, under which IIM students will formulate effective marketing strategies and policies tailored to local farmers’ produce, in order to improve market access for farmers in hilly regions. It will involve a team of IIM students conducting surveys to collect data on the agricultural produce’s quantity, quality and export potential. This data will be used to formulate effective marketing strategies and policies tailored to local farmers’ produce. The pilot project will start in Bageshwar and move to other districts. The first phase will involve the revitalisation of the ‘Apnu Market’ in Bageshwar. The market’s potential will be assessed based on local consumption patterns and additional yield data, leading to the development of a comprehensive marketing plan. Farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and women’s self-help groups will play a crucial role in promoting and selling these agricultural products. Success in Bageshwar will pave the way for expansion into other districts. The Mandi Directorate had earlier set up collection centres to collect and market mountain products. This plan could not materialise on ground. The main reason for this was that it was difficult to connect directly with the farmers from the collection centre. Talking to TOI, Ashish Bhatgain, Mandi Director, said, “We are committed to modernising our markets and making them more efficient. The collaboration with IIM will help us achieve this goal. This collaboration between IIM and the UKAPMB aims to improve market access for hilly region farmers. With comprehensive data and innovative marketing strategies, this partnership holds great potential for enhancing the agricultural sector. The project’s initiation in June signifies a significant step toward sustainable growth and prosperity in the hill region’s agricultural industry,” and added that the directorate has plans to take every work of the mandis online. IIM students will also prepare an online worksheet for the mandis by surveying their functioning. The market fees and development fees would also be deposited online.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/iim-kashipur-joins-hands-with-agri-board/articleshow/100542676.cms
IIM-Kashipur joins hands with agri board, students to research ‘potential of produce’ & help form marketing strategies | Dehradun News
