Zepto Launches its Farmer Engagement Programme ‘Zepto Bloom’

Pune, February 10, 2023: Zepto, the e-grocery startup that led the way in India’s adoption of 10-minute deliveries, today announced the launch of its farmer engagement programme ‘Zepto Bloom’ and a one-of-its-kind app for its partners from the farmer community. The app will digitise all processes right from sowing to selling, thereby aiding farmers who sell on Zepto to streamline their supplies and yields. Announcing the launch at an event with farmers from Maharashtra in Manchar, Pune, the company shared that it will be onboarding over 300 farmers from Maharashtra on the app.

The farmer app is a one-stop solution that will cater to the holistic range of farmers’ needs – from tracking the crop cycle (sowing to harvesting) to receiving seamless payments on the sale of the produce. Collection centres placed across villages will enable farmers to sell their produce directly through the app without the hassle of price auctions or lengthy credit transactions with buyers in the market. Through the app, farmers can also choose their trade destination with complete visibility of the prices for their produce. Beyond this, the farmers will have access to agronomist support at the time of production, clarity on demand and grading aligned to the harvesting period, assured buyback, and on-ground support.

Vinay Dhanani, Chief Operating Officer, Zepto said, “The demand for fruits and vegetables among our customers has grown exponentially. More than 50% of Zepto’s orders comprise fresh fruits and vegetables, making it one of our strongest categories. It is our deep relationship with the farmer community, and our ability to help them realise the best potential for their yields, that has made it possible for us to meet this soaring demand. As we grow, we are committed to creating more value for our customers and farmers alike.”

Currently, Zepto sources directly from over a thousand farmers from across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In 2023, the company plans to extend its farmer network to the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand through its Zepto Bloom Programme.

Srinibas Swain, Senior Vice-President, Business Head for Fresh Category, said, “Our vision at Zepto is to deliver the best quality farm fresh produce to Indian homes by building a solid and seamless farmer network in the country. Through this programme and our app, we aim to build industry-best supply chain practices and ensure transparency in the process. By supporting the farmers with fair pricing, setting quality standards in seeds and crops, aiding the collection process, optimising wastage and return, enabling tech know-how, and financing through partnerships with NBFCs, Zepto Bloom will help farmers grow stride for stride with quick commerce.”