from our upcoming book Our Secret Book of Benefits
We found that middleman increases the price of the products and reduces the quality of it. Prices are increased for profits. Quality is reduced due to addition of fillers, preservatives, storing long time, handling, transport etc.
So, we started buying from the farmers directly from 2018. As of now, most of our groceries, jaggery, oils, millets, chocolates, clothing, washing soap, toothpowder, honey, ghee, eggs, fish, compost and so on are directly sourced from authentic producers.
Buying directly from farmers offers several benefits:
Fresher Produce: You get the freshest produce possible, often picked the same day or the day before you buy it. This translates to better taste, more nutrients, and a longer shelf life.
Supports Local Economy: Your money directly supports local farmers and their families, keeping more of it within your community.
Environmental Benefits:
Reduces transportation distances, lowering the carbon footprint.
Often involves more sustainable farming practices like organic methods.
Improved Quality: You can often choose specific items and ask questions about how they were grown, ensuring higher quality and potentially better flavor.
Community Connection: You build relationships with the people who grow your food, fostering a deeper connection to your food sources.
Access to Unique Varieties: You may find unique or heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables that are not typically available in supermarkets.
Here are some ways to buy directly from farmers:
Farmers' Markets: A great place to find a wide variety of local produce, meet the farmers, and learn about their growing practices.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Subscribe to a CSA and receive a weekly box of fresh, seasonal produce directly from a local farm.
Farm Visits: Visit a farm directly to purchase produce, meet the farmers, and learn about their farm.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Many restaurants source their ingredients directly from local farms.
By supporting local farmers, you contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system while enjoying fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food.
****