Sambalpur, Aug. 4: The wait for Odisha Fresh vegetable outlets is getting longer.

The outlets had been planned in line with Udyan Fresh stores and the horticulture department was given the responsibility to implement the proposal, which is part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana.

Deputy director of horticulture Sudarshan Nanda said: "The project is getting delayed as the aggregator-cum-developer, which was selected to run the vegetable outlets here, backed out. However, a fresh expression of interest will be floated soon and a new aggregator will be engaged to materialise the proposal at the earliest."

The laying of foundation stone for the outlet at Shanti Nagar had been done last November. But, no progress has been made since then.

Seven locations across the city were identified for the vegetable outlets. Those places include Shanti Nagar, Kamilibazar and Govindtola vegetable markets, Anand Vihar, PG Chhak and NAC Office Chhak in Burla, and Hirakud Town.

Odisha Agro Export Limited, a private firm, was selected to run the outlets in the city.

The objective was to encourage vegetable cultivation and help farmers get the right price for their produce besides curtailing the influence of middlemen.

It was also decided to form 180 farmers' interest groups in Maneswar, Jujomura and Rengali blocks in the district.

"Though the scheme will benefit both farmers and consumers, no serious steps have been taken to implement the proposal. The farmers will also find reasonable price for their labour. The authority should expedite the work and make the vegetable outlets operational as soon as possible," said local resident Bhisma Dhar.

"By the time the vegetables reach the city vendors, the price doubles due to the involvement of middlemen. The project will solve the problems of both the farmers and the consumers," said another local resident Gokul Pradhan.