Mumbai

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said Mumbai Metro can serve as an effective platform to bring dairy and other agricultural products from rural areas to a larger consumer base, helping farmers secure a dedicated market in the state capital.

Addressing a function at the inauguration of a dairy products outlet of Warana Cooperative Milk Producers Union at CSMT metro station, Fadnavis said Metro Line 3 has emerged as Mumbai's new lifeline and is the longest single underground metro corridor in Asia.

"Beyond providing transport services, metro stations can also function as centres of economic activity," he said.

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 present.

"Commercial initiatives at metro stations create opportunities for rural products to directly reach urban consumers. Quality dairy products produced by farmers in Kolhapur and other parts of Maharashtra will now be available in Mumbai through this outlet," the chief minister said.

He added that such initiatives would help farmers access better markets while enabling consumers to purchase quality products conveniently.

The outlets would also contribute to employment generation, trade growth and strengthening of the rural economy, he said.

Describing the Warana outlet as more than a commercial venture, Fadnavis said it symbolised the self-respect and enterprise of farmers from Kolhapur district. He also praised the Warana Group for its contribution to farmer and women empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Kore said the Warana Group procures milk daily from around 1.5 lakh farmer-producers and ensures regular payments to them.

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He said the metro station outlets would provide direct access to a major market, such as Mumbai, for dairy products manufactured by rural producers.

The initiative will not only provide quality dairy products to consumers in Mumbai, but also strengthen the rural economy, Kore added.