Lucknow, July 6 -- : Giving a major relief to floriculturists, the Yogi Adityanath government has removed all types of flowers from the category of "specified agricultural produce", freeing them from any mandi (market) fee if sold outside the market premises.

The move is aimed at protecting the perishable nature and freshness of flowers. It is expected to benefit small and marginal flower farmers the most. Only a nominal user fee will be charged within mandi premises.

The decision was taken at the 171st board meeting of the UP State Agricultural Produce Mandi Council, chaired by the chief minister. Stressing the need to make mandis transparent, tech-enabled, and farmer-friendly, he also directed officials to establish 'Shabari Canteens'...