If the state government’s decision to allow farmers to sell their produce directly to end consumers in retail comes into force, then in the next few months, you’ll be paying incredibly low prices for vegetables and fruits. A few days ago, the Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) despatched a letter to all the Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the state, informing them that all the notified fruits and vegetables in its schedule will be decontrolled in a month’s time.

Fresh off the farm: According to the state, the move will allow farmers to sell vegetables, fruits and condiments, directly to end consumers without middlemen in APMC markets. File pic