Patna: The Government of Bihar has directed a major expansion of the state’s vegetable cooperative network, with plans to connect farmers directly to consumers through retail outlets, cold storage infrastructure and a digital supply system.
The announcement followed a review meeting of Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Cooperative Federation Ltd. chaired by Ram Kripal Yadav on May 18. Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen vegetable production, storage, processing and marketing across the state.
Expansion Of Cooperative Network
During the meeting, Yadav directed officials to launch a statewide campaign to expand membership in Primary Vegetable Producers’ Cooperative Societies (PVCS). He also asked the department to extend the cooperative structure from block level to panchayat level.
According to the Cooperative Department, the expansion is intended to bring more vegetable growers into formal cooperative networks and improve direct market access.
Urban Vegetable Outlets Planned
The minister instructed officials to examine the feasibility of setting up “Tarkari Outlets” in residential societies in major cities including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Purnia.
A pilot project will begin in Patna. Officials said the outlets are intended to improve urban access to fresh vegetables while offering farmers direct sales channels.
Cold Storage And New Infrastructure
The minister also directed faster implementation of multipurpose cold storage projects, each with a capacity of 750 metric tonnes.
Officials said the infrastructure is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and help farmers secure better prices by allowing longer storage of produce.
The meeting also reviewed a proposal to establish modern vegetable malls in Bihar. The minister asked officials to prepare a detailed project report for the plan.
Digital Supply Chain Push
The department said VEGFED will also develop a digital platform and mobile application under a “Farm to Desk” model to create a direct supply link between producers and consumers.
The minister directed an increase in farmer training through master trainers, with a focus on modern cultivation methods and marketing systems.
Wider Policy Context
Officials said the cooperative reforms are part of Bihar’s broader effort to align with the Centre’s cooperative sector strategy under the “Sahkar se Samriddhi” programme and the national development roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047.
The review meeting was attended by Cooperation Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Additional Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, and VEGFED Managing Director Dr Gagan.
