The Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market at Vengeri in Kozhikode, covering 10 hectares, is set to receive a comprehensive modernization programme after more than twenty years since its establishment. The upgrade will target waste management, internal roads, drainage, lighting and other facilities to improve the market’s overall efficiency.
The market was created 26 years ago under the United Democratic Front government with European economic assistance and was initially managed by the Agriculture department. It was later transferred to Kerala Agro Business Company Limited (KABCO) during the previous administration, but no significant development work has been carried out since that time.
The modernization decision was taken at a meeting chaired by MLA K. Jayanth and attended by KABCO officials. The plan includes attracting more traders and customers, similar to the Palayam market, and enhancing the market’s functionality and accessibility. Preliminary work has already begun; overgrown areas will be cleared before September 19, with Kerala Agro Industries Corporation contracted to maintain the premises.
A joint inspection by the MLA and KABCO officials will take place on September 19 to review all 107 stalls and ensure they are used exclusively for vegetables and related products. KABCO will coordinate scientific waste disposal and negotiate with the Kozhikode Corporation for daily removal of vegetable waste, bearing the cost. Road repairs, a new solar lighting system, and a drainage structure to address waterlogging will be funded by KABCO and the MLA’s constituency development fund, following a tender already issued.
