A transformative initiative under the SAFBIN III project has established a Haat Bazar in Kolua village, offering a lifeline to smallholder farmers and creating a dynamic hub for local trade. For years, farmers from this small village in Madhya Pradesh travelled 20 kilometres to neighbouring Sagar city and villages to sell their produce, incurring significant time and transportation costs. With the market now at the village’s main junction, their fortunes have changed. Farmers can sell fresh produce directly to consumers, strengthening the local economy and saving both time and money.
The Haat Bazar, inaugurated on 19 November 2024 has quickly become a symbol of empowerment and economic progress. Local farmers bypass middlemen and secure better prices while fostering community connections. “The market has not only increased our income but also saved us the trouble of traveling long distances,” shared farmer Purushottam Sen. On the first day, he earned ₹470 in just two hours. “I am confident of earning much more in the coming weeks,” added a beaming Sen.
Haat Bazars are traditional marketplaces where villagers sell goods directly to local consumers, including their fellow villagers. Held weekly, these markets offer fresh vegetables, fruits, and other essentials, ensuring fair prices for farmers and keeping money circulating within the community. Beyond agricultural produce, Kolua’s market features stalls with sweets, tea, toys, and household items, making it a bustling economic hub.
The Kolua community felt the need for such a market as their farm production, especially vegetables, increased substantially through improved farming practices and resilient cropping systems promoted by SAFBIN. As harvests grew, the need for a local market became more pressing, compelling villagers to find a solution that could increase their returns without dependence on middlemen.
The establishment of the Haat Bazar was the result of meticulous planning and community collaboration. The SAFBIN project team organized local farmers into two Smallholder Farmers Collectives (SHFC) of women and one SHFC of men to deliberate on the challenges faced by farmers. Through community meetings and micro-planning sessions, the team worked closely with villagers and the local panchayat to identify a solution that would create direct access to a fair market and reduce the burden of long travel. Under the SHFC banner, local farmers proposed the idea of a Haat Bazar to the Gram Panchayat. Recognizing the potential, panchayat leaders approved the initiative and allocated a central space in the village for the market.
The SAFBIN team played a pivotal role in coordinating with farmers and traders to ensure the market’s smooth setup and long-term sustainability. What began as a simple idea has transformed into a thriving marketplace, benefiting farmers and local traders who sell a variety of items, including sweets, tea, toys, and household essentials.
Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of Manav Vikas Seva Sangh, which implements SAFBIN in ten villages of Sagar district, highlighted the community’s efforts, saying, “This initiative supports farmers and local traders, making Kolua more self-reliant. Besides, the Haat Bazar has given local farmers the opportunity to become first-generation vendors.”
Sarpanch Bhupendra Chadar, while inaugurating the Haat Bazar, commended the villagers’ collective action and the significant contribution of SAFBIN to strengthening the local economy. “The Haat Bazar will not only boost our economy but also foster a sense of community pride,” he said.
Local farmers are thrilled by the new opportunities. Sonu Ahirwar, a farmer, shared, “I earn handsome returns, sometimes as high as ₹2,000 in a single day selling my farm produce.” Women farmers also see great promise in the local market as nearly 50% of the total vendors in the market are women farmers. Lalita Bai, a vegetable grower and a seller remarked, “This market saves us travel costs and gives us direct access to buyers.”
Initially scheduled for two hours on Tuesdays, the Haat Bazar expanded to every Thursday due to overwhelming demand, offering villagers a wider window to trade and shop. Villagers are already feeling the positive impact. “The introduction of the Haat Bazar has infused new energy into our lives,” said Sen. “Now, we buy fresh produce locally, save travel expenses, and strengthen our village economy.”
The Haat Bazar is more than just a market—it represents a turning point for Kolua, fostering economic resilience and community spirit. As the village embraces this new opportunity, it stands as a model for empowering smallholder farmers and revitalizing rural economies.
