Agro National Corporation (AgroNat) has revealed over 70 farmers have requested for the startup packages introduced by the corporation to assist contract farmers.
AgroNat introduced a startup package last month to help farmers acquire the items they need for production under the contract farming project launched by the corporation. Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director of AgroNat Haroon Rasheed said more than 70 farmers have requested for the startup package so far. He added the corporation is working on supplying the items included under the startup package to the farmers who have requested it.
AgroNat has facilitated convenient means for farmers to pay for their startup package. As such, farmers are allowed to pay for their package in installment through the sales made by selling their produce to the corporation. AgroNat revealed the items released through the startup package would be released at prices that are 20% lower than the normal market rate.
AgroNat was established by the government to market agricultural produce from local farms and provide a better income for farmers. The company has established contracts with farmers from 47 islands, to produce 17 different types of fruits and vegetables. Some of the items produced under contract farming include pumpkin, eggplant, melon, papaya, watermelon, butter nuts, tomato, cucumber, beans, capsicum, lettuce and cabbage.