UtpaDhan - Farmer Producer Companies in rural Karnataka

How about a little cheer in times of gloom?

This is the story of farmers in Karnataka who have formed companies to market and sell the fruits and vegetables that they grow.

A story of farmers with very small holdings, mostly tenants who don’t own the land - but who, through collective efforts, have already started supplying to bulk buyers in cities like Bangalore.

Since the lockdown, their activities have intensified. Now they have the concept of ‘farm to fork', selling produce in apartment complexes and gated communities directly to people like you and me, out to buy some fresh produce to make our dinners.

The unique thing is that when you buy from them, you are not just satisfying your own needs. You are contributing to food security, investing in ecologically safe farming practices, providing employment to a large network of enterprising youth in villages, and strengthening the resolve of farming communities to secure their livelihoods. And you could do all this, just by buying from them.

This is the story of UtpaDhan. A collective of Farmer Producer Companies bringing to you fresh food grown free of chemicals, to your doorstep. For over five years these FPCs in Tumkur, Mandya, Haveri and Belagavi districts have put in hard work to ensure that the food on our tables is healthy and guilt –free.

UtpaDhan arranges for vehicles to come to your apartment complex. The list of vegetables, fruits, cereals and pulses are circulated beforehand to resident welfare associations and apartment owners so that the consumers know what will be available. And the rates are a little less than market prices. For more information contact Srikantha Shenoy - 98456 92087.

The Farmer Producer companies are mentored by IDF (Initiatives for Development Foundation) – A social enterprise promoting sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship among underprivileged communities.