Bengaluru: In response to the steep drop in vegetable prices, farmers from across Karnataka are launching their own direct-to-consumer market in Bengaluru this weekend. The initiative, organised by the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association, aims to bypass middlemen and offer fair rates for both cultivators and consumers.
Starting Saturday evening, the three-day farmers’ market will operate at Munivenkataiah Smaraka Bayalu Ranga Mandira, Ideal Homes Layout, Rajarajeshwari Nagar. Timings: 4 PM on Saturday, and 7 AM to 7 PM on Sunday and Monday.
Environmental activist and farmer leader Chukki Nanjundaswamy noted that this is a proactive step to prevent food wastage and financial loss. “We’re facing a crisis—Toor dal has crashed from ₹200 to ₹70–80/kg, and ginger has nosedived from ₹8,000 to ₹1,000 per quintal. Farmers can’t even recover their input costs,” she said.
Growers from Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Bagalkot, Shivamogga, and more are participating. Overproduction, poor storage, and manipulation by seed companies are seen as major reasons for the glut.
To support the initiative, the Lorry Drivers’ Association is assisting with logistics. Mysuru farmer Kiran Siddalingapura said vegetables like cabbage, carrot, beetroot, and brinjal are selling at unsustainable rates, pushing farmers into losses.
Agriculture economist Prakash Kammardi suggested farmers must also focus on becoming marketers and embrace digital platforms.
Resident groups have pledged support, and farmers say they’re ready to come weekly—if the city shows up.
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