New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS): The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for leasing out 1.61-acre land of the Delhi Milk Scheme in Delhi's Alipur to Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) to set up "Kisan Mandi", said an official.

The market will provide an additional marketing channel and platform to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Growers Associations (GA) for direct sale of fruits and vegetables to wholesale and retail buyers in Delhi-NCR, said an official statement.

Only registered FPOs and GAs will be allowed to offer fresh produce for sale on this platform.

Organisation retailers, wholesalers, hotels and catering institutions, Resident Welfare Association (RWAs) and ordinary consumers can buy from this platform, with no agents or middlemen involved.

"There will be no commission charged on the transactions in the Kisan Mandi either from sellers or buyers and the FPOs will pay a small service charge for the use of facilities such as godowns, cold stores," said the statement.

Kisan Mandi will also offer direct supply through retail outlets on a franchises model.

"A beginning will be made by offering staple produce such as potato and onion through selected kiosks of the Delhi Milk Scheme."

The Kisan Mandi will also have provision for online sales and direct marketing through call centre, it added.