‘Raitha Santhe’ resumes in Madikeri

‘Raitha Santhe’, the farmers’ shandy market which had been discontinued following natural calamities in Kodagu, was restarted on the APMC premises opposite KSRTC Bus Stand, in the city on Friday.

The farmers’ shandy, evoked a good response from both, the farmers and customers.

The APMC had started the programme to provide a marketing platform for farmers’ products.

The farmers’ shandy was held for continuously five months. But it was stopped abruptly in June following incessant rain.

The Raitha Santhe could not be held due to natural calamity in August and in the later months as the farmers had not recovered from the losses caused by floods.

On Friday, the farmers sold fruits and vegetables at 12 stalls set up at the APMC yard, without the involvement of middlemen. Apart from green vegetables, poultry was also up for sale.

The products were sold out by afternoon.

APMC President Shivachaliyanda Ambi Cariappa said earlier, the farmers were cheated by middlemen. In ‘Raitha Santhe’, the farmers get fair prices for their crops and the customers too can buy products directly from farmers at affordable costs, he added.

Facilities for drinking water, toilets and vehicle parking have been made on the venue. The farmers’ shandy will be held on Wednesdays as well. Farmers from various districts will take part, he said.

Farmers are encouraged to sell groceries and rice as well. The street vendors too will be requested to be a part of ‘Raitha Santhe’, he said.

APMC former president Kangira Satish said that the flood victims may sell value-added products in the farmers’ shandy.

The farmers may put up cattle, pigs and sheep for sale, he said.