Pune: PMC to Launch Weekly Farmers’ Markets with World Bank Support

Pune, 16th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), with support from the World Bank and the Maharashtra State Government, is set to launch weekly farmers’ markets across the city. These markets will allow residents to purchase fresh, organic vegetables and fruits directly from farmers.

The markets will be set up in designated amenity spaces in Lohgaon, Baner, Pashan, Bavdhan, and Balewadi, with operations expected to begin within the next two months, according to Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P.

“This initiative will strengthen the direct connection between farmers and consumers, ensuring fair prices for both while improving food quality,” he added.

The initiative, part of the Sant Shiromani Savata Mali Rayat Bazaar Initiative, is funded under the World Bank-backed Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.

The project aims to:

✅ Improve the quality of weekly farmers’ markets.

✅ Provide urban consumers with fresh, chemical-free fruits and vegetables at fair prices.

✅ Ensure better pricing for farmers’ produce by reducing middlemen.

✅ Ease traffic congestion by decentralizing market locations.

Additionally, community-based organizations and farmer producer companies selected by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) will be given the opportunity to sell their produce in these markets.

These weekly markets will promote a sustainable food supply, improve nutritional standards for city residents, and establish a direct farmer-to-consumer model. Along with fresh fruits and vegetables, select markets will also offer high-quality, clean meat products.