Mumbai, 16 June

(HS): On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the

Mumbai Metro can be an efficient platform for bringing dairy and other

agricultural goods from rural areas to a wider customer base, allowing farmers

to establish a dedicated market in the state capital. Fadnavis, speaking at the

opening of a dairy products shop of the Warana Cooperative Milk Producers Union

at CSMT metro station, stated that Metro Line 3 has emerged as Mumbai's new

lifeline and is Asia's longest single underground metro corridor. Metro

stations, he explained, may serve as economic hubs in addition to offering

transportation services. Dairy Development Minister Atul Save, Maharashtra

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, MLA Vinay Kore, BMC commissioner, and Mumbai

Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director Ashwini Bhide were also present.

Commercial activities at metro stations enable

rural items to be delivered directly to urban customers. The chief minister

stated that quality dairy products produced by farmers in Kolhapur and other

regions of Maharashtra will now be available in Mumbai via this outlet. He

noted that such initiatives will assist farmers gain access to greater

marketplaces while allowing customers to easily acquire high-quality products.

He said such outlets would help to create jobs, expand commerce, and enhance

the rural economy.

Fadnavis described the Warana shop as more than a

business initiative, claiming that it represented the self-respect and

enterprise of Kolhapur district farmers. He applauded the Warana Group's

efforts to empower farmers and women. Kore said on occasion that the Warana

Group purchases milk from around 1.5 lakh farmer-producers on a daily basis and

makes regular payments.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi