Two college friends from Maharashtra have launched the Indian Farmer Entrepreneurs (IFE) Store, an online marketplace that allows small farmers like Sachin Gore to sell their produce without giving hefty commissions to middlemen, resulting in significantly increased incomes and broader market access.
- Platform charges zero commission on farmer sales
- Farmers access markets beyond their local regions
- Value-added products like jaggery and turmeric drive better profits
What happened
College friends Aniket Gharge and Jay Sidhpura launched the Indian Farmer Entrepreneurs (IFE) Store in 2022, an online marketplace designed to help farmers sell their produce directly to consumers. This platform eliminates the need for middlemen, who traditionally took commissions up to 30 percent, reducing farmers’ profits.
Farmers, including Sachin Gore from Maharashtra, who grows sugarcane and turmeric, can now list their products like jaggery and turmeric powder on the IFE Store without paying commissions. This has allowed Sachin to expand his customer base beyond local markets and receive orders for up to 50 kg of produce at a time.
Why it feels good
The IFE Store not only boosts farmers’ incomes by removing intermediaries but also provides them with a trustworthy platform supported by product inspection and FSSAI licensing. Farmers feel empowered and able to sustain their families with improved earnings, which was previously a significant struggle.
Aniket, who comes from a farming family himself, has combined his tech skills and passion to create a marketplace addressing a critical gap in the agricultural supply chain. Small farmers gain access to wider consumer markets and value-added product sales, enhancing their economic independence and morale.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on how the IFE Store expands its network of farmers beyond Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and integrates more organic and value-added products. The platform’s model could inspire similar zero-commission marketplaces across different regions and farming sectors.
Consumers interested in supporting fair trade and local producers can explore the IFE Store for fresh, authentic farm products and contribute to sustainable farmer livelihoods. Watching the platform’s growth could highlight new successes and innovations in rural entrepreneurship driven by technology.