Struggling under the burden of losing nearly a third of their earnings to middlemen, farmers are now finding new hope through IFE Store, a platform created by two college friends to connect farmers directly with customers.
- Farmers previously lost 30% income to middlemen commissions
- IFE Store charges zero commission and only a small packaging fee
- Platform serves over 15 states and more than 20 farmers
What happened
Sachin Gore, a farmer cultivating sugarcane and turmeric on 3.5 acres, faced severe financial strain due to middlemen who took hefty commissions, leaving him with limited income. His frustration echoed the struggles of many farmers across India who see their hard work undervalued by multiple layers of intermediaries.
Responding to this challenge, college friends Aniket Gharge and Jay Sidhpura launched the IFE Store in 2022 to create a direct link between farmers and consumers. With almost no initial funding, they built an online platform that enables farmers to list their products at fixed prices without hiding costs or taking extra fees beyond a small charge for packaging.
Why it feels good
The platform has empowered farmers like Sachin to receive fair prices, eliminating the middleman's cut. Buyers pay exactly what the farmer sets, which means better income stability and transparency. Aniket's background in farming and technology brought a unique understanding that fuels this mission.
Besides financial benefits, the initiative promotes sustainable business practices by supporting organic and value-added products directly from farms. This boosts farmers' morale and livelihoods, motivating them to innovate and stay invested in agriculture.
What to enjoy or watch next
Currently serving over 20 farmers and offering more than 25 product categories, IFE Store continues expanding its reach beyond Maharashtra to states like Gujarat, Kerala, and West Bengal. Customers from around the country have already made purchases, demonstrating growing trust in this fresh agricultural marketplace.
Though logistical challenges like courier delays persist, the founders remain optimistic about refining operations. The platform’s growth hints at a promising future for digital farming marketplaces that honor both producers and consumers—an inspiring model to follow and support.