Sirhind, Punjab: Bharti-Walmart Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Walmart Stores Inc. for wholesale cash and carry and back-end supply chain management operations, has launched its first agricultural co-operative centre in Sirhind, Punjab. The centre aims to build a robust aggregating, handling, packaging and delivering system of fresh produce to Best Price and Bharti Retail’s easyday stores.

This initiative is part of Bharti-Walmart’s direct farm programme in partnership with 100 small and marginal farmers near Ludhiana. The farmers will be paid for their produce within 24 hours post delivery. All legalities including APMC tax will be fully complied with, the company informed in a press release.

Speaking about the initiative, Raj Jain, MD and CEO, Bharti-Walmart said, “At Bharti Walmart, it is our constant endeavor to develop and work with local suppliers to develop an efficient and robust supply chain by reducing waste and ensuring qualitative, fresh produce for customers at easyday and Best Price Modern Wholesale stores. To meet these objectives, our associates, in partnership with Bayer CropScience will share best practices with small and marginal farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their yield.”

For the company’s first co-operative centre partner Bayer CropScience has also designed a scientific solution for the farmers through their “5P” process that underscores best practices in production, protection, programme monitoring, passport and post-harvest.

“Through these, Agriculture Centre will provide manifold benefits for farmers, including 7-10% higher price realisation vis-à-vis open markets and additional incentives for better quality produce. The Centre will provide farmers with expert advice on crop planning and management, further strengthening Bharti Walmart’s initiative to support farmers and small manufacturers who have limited infrastructure and distribution strength,” the company added.