Sunetra Pawar Lays Foundation Stone for ‘Rayat Bhavan’ Farmers’ Mall in Baramati

Baramati, March 2026 : Sunetra Ajit Pawar called for collective efforts for farmers’ welfare while laying the foundation stone of the new Rayat Bhavan Farmers’ Mall building.

Speaking at the ceremony organised by the Baramati Agricultural Produce Market Committee, Pawar said the committee has consistently worked with the welfare of farmers in mind. She expressed confidence that the new Rayat Bhavan Farmers’ Mall would bring fresh opportunities for farmers and contribute to the development of Baramati.

The event was attended by Sub-Divisional Officer Vaibhav Navadkar, Panchayat Samiti chairman Kiran Taware, Baramati Municipal Council president Sachin Satav, APMC chairman Vinayak Gavde, vice-chairman Arun Sakat, members of the board of directors and other dignitaries.

Pawar noted that the Baramati Agricultural Produce Market Committee has a legacy of nearly 90 years and has always placed farmers at the centre of its activities. She said the committee has earned a reputation as a model market yard through transparent transactions, accurate weighing of farm produce, quick payment systems, online auctions through National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and computerised operations.

Among more than 300 agricultural market committees in the state, Baramati APMC has secured the top position and is widely regarded as an ideal model for others, she said.

Pawar also highlighted that farmers in the Baramati region are known for adopting modern agricultural technologies and carrying out innovative experiments in farming, which has brought recognition to the region at national and international levels.

She further said that under the guidance of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, several facilities were developed at the market yard in Jalgochi, including cold storage units, grading and packing facilities, and an export facilitation centre. These initiatives, along with online auctions of silkworm cocoons through e-NAM, have helped farmers obtain better prices for their produce.

According to Pawar, the upcoming Rayat Bhavan Farmers’ Mall will provide modern services to farmers, traders and consumers at a single location. The mall is expected to generate rental income of around ₹2 crore annually, strengthening the financial capacity of the market committee.

She added that the funds generated would be utilised in the future to develop more facilities for farmers and market stakeholders.

Earlier, chairman Vinayak Gavde presented an overview of the facilities planned in the new farmers’ mall. Members of the committee also suggested naming the complex after the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.