HOPCOMS stores decline due to 'departmental negligence'

NT Bengaluru: Bengaluru's Horticultural Producers' Co-operative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) is facing a significant decline in its operations, primarily attributed to the horticulture department's negligence. Two years ago, the city had 316 HOPCOMS stores, while districts had 262.

The current number has decreased by over 200 stores in Bengaluru alone, and all district stores have now closed. While speaking with News Trail, HOPCOMS director Shivamadu said, “I don’t know much about it, nor do I have any details regarding it; you can ask the Managing Director about it.” In the absence of the Managing Director, General Manager Jayaprakash said, “At present, more than 200 HOPCOMS are operational, while around 60 plus have closed.” Many caretakers have retired from those locations, and we are considering hiring replacements. Some road construction projects by the BBMP, as well as the expansion of the metro, have also led to many stalls being closed. Alternatively, more than 20 mobile HOPCOMS are being opened, and in the future, we aim to reopen all the HOPCOMS near those areas that have been closed, He added.

The spaces once occupied by HOPCOMS are now occupied by other constructions. HOPCOMS aimed to provide fresh produce directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen. However, the ongoing losses and lack of infrastructure have led to a decline in services. Four in Attiguppe, one in Hampinagar, and another one in Hosahalli in the Vijayanagar area have closed. This has resulted in customers facing higher prices for fruits and vegetables, which were previously available at lower costs through HOPCOMS. The horticulture department's role in this decline is under scrutiny, as the loss of HOPCOMS affects both consumers and the local economy.

Horticulture department's role in this decline is under scrutiny; loss of HOPCOMS affects consumers and economy .