Earlier, middlemen used to fix prices of agricultural products on behalf of farmers due to which producers rarely used to receive fair prices.
Farmers are currently able to fix prices of their products on their own due to support extended by the Pokhara Agriculture Information and Research Consultation Center (PAIRCC). The center has introduced a notice board system wherein farmers can quote their prices. This facility is expected to provide relief to farmers and end customers as both can now look forward to getting best prices.
Under the system developed by the PAIRCC, farmers as well as customers can get information on prices of products by simply calling 1618061533225. "This number will never remain busy," according to the PAIRCC. The charge for placing calls on this number is Re 1 per minute.
"Farmers can know prices of various products by just calling. They can then fix prices accordingly," said Jhalak Lal Shrestha, managing director of the PAIRCC. The system also allows farmers to look for markets that are offering best prices so that they can choose the appropriate market for their products.
"We hope this system will come to aid of farmers who usually do not get fair prices for their products due to presence of middlemen," Shrestha said, adding, "The system also allows customers to get information on prices of agricultural products to reduce chances of being cheated."
Tara Paudel, former president of the Agro Products Market Management Committee at Bhalam, said similar system should be introduced everywhere in the country so as to create a win-win situation for both farmers and customers.
Currently, around 35 tons of vegetables are consumed in Pokhara every day.
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