Collector proposes rural quick-delivery model for farmers

District Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy on Friday proposed a smart delivery system in rural areas, modelled on urban platforms such as Zomato and Blinkit, to help increase farmers’ income and improve consumer access to fresh produce.

At a review meeting of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and allied agriculture departments, the Collector asked officials to prepare plans for setting up Mahila Marts in every mandal and creating a modern supply network for agricultural produce.

He said fresh vegetables and essential commodities sourced directly from farms should be delivered within 30 minutes to consumers located within a 10 to 15-km radius. Information on crop availability in villages, he added, could be made available through a mobile application.

Suggesting names such as “Manyam Blinkit” or “Instant Service” for the pilot initiative, the Collector said the model could generate employment for local youth as delivery staff and computer operators. He also called for the establishment of Minimum Support Price (MSP) centres in every mandal.

Prabhakar Reddy reviewed proposals for expanding Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) beyond the mandal level and suggested that one FPO be set up for every cluster of 10 to 15 villages.

He said the move would improve access to government subsidies, seed procurement, and processing facilities for farmers. Organic seeds collected through Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) should be procured through FPOs, he said.

The Collector warned officials against lapses in village-level data collection, including incorrect phone numbers, and said negligence would invite strict action. Pilot projects are expected to be launched soon in Garugubilli and Veeraghattam mandals.

Sub-Collector R. Vaishali, ITDA APO P. Muralidhar, officials of agriculture-allied departments, DRDA officials, FPO representatives, and APMs were present at the meeting.