Bhubaneswar: To add another dimension to non-fuel offerings for meeting the daily needs of consumers under one roof, Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated two Mother Dairy Safal Fruit and Vegetable outlets on pilot basis at Rajdhani Service Station of Bharat Petroleum and COCO Raj Bhavan of Indian Oil here on Monday.
Bhubaneswar became the third city in the country with Safal stores at filling stations, after Delhi NCR and Bangalore, selling fresh and quality vegetables and fruits at affordable rate.
This will also help farmers to get a direct access to the market, ensuring fair price for their goods, which will also enhance their productivity. After reviewing these pilot stores, NDDB and Oil Marketing Companies would roll out 50 – 60 more such stores in and around Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said this is part of the smart city initiative which translates into convenience for denizens of the city. “Starting SAFAL outlets at petrol pumps will provide employment to the youth and will directly benefit the farmers providing quality products to the citizens of this country”.
He said Odisha is the fourth largest producer of vegetable and fruits. “Th