APMC to reintroduce ‘Raitha Santhe’ in Madikeri

The APMC in Madikeri will reintroduce ‘Raitha Santhe’, the farmers’ shandy, from December 21.

The weekly shandy was stopped following landslides and incessant rain in Kodagu.

After a long gap, the APMC has decided to relaunch the unique market wherein a platform will be provided to farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers (customers).

The programme, which was initiated on January 12 this year had received a poor response. The APMC has now relaunched the shandy by incorporating some changes with an objective to make it friendly for both the farmers and the buyers.

“From December 21, ‘Raitha Santhe’ will be held on the premises of the APMC near KSRTC depot on every Friday and Wednesday,” said APMC Madikeri Chairman S Ambi Cariappa.

It has been decided to hold the farmers’ shandy on two days in a week. Earlier, the market was meant only for the farmers of Madikeri taluk. This time, the facility will be extended to farmers from various parts of Kodagu district as well as from the state.

Basic amenities such as a new building and parking space will be provided at the venue of the ‘Raitha Santhe’.

APMC member Beppurana Medappa said that the ‘Raitha Santhe’ intends to encourage customers to purchase products directly from farmers at reasonable prices.

Apart from vegetables and fruits, value-added products by farmers will also be featured during the sale. Farmers have also been extended tax exemption to carry out the business, he added.

Another member Kangira Sathish said that earlier, the customers had complained of a limited variety of vegetables at the ‘Raitha Santhe’. Hence, provisions have been made this time to sell a wide range of vegetables, along with groceries.