TURA: A rural haat where farmers and villagers can sell their organic vegetables and other local products directly without the need for any middleman was inaugurated at Zikzak on Thursday.
Built under a scheme funded by NABARD, Meghalaya Regional Office, Shillong, and promoted by BAKDIL NGO, the market was opened by South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Kumar S.
“The aim of building this farmers market ‘Rural Haat’ is to show and expose that farmers are living and growing by selling the products produced from their gardens and increase the income of farmers,” Kumar said.
He also urged the people to keep the market clean and plastic-free and to continue running it unceasingly.
The deputy commissioner urged the BDO of Zikzak Block to construct a retaining wall behind the market as the soil sloughs during rainy season.
Later Fr. Sunny of BAKDIL proposed a new name for the place as ‘Centre Point’, as it is located at the centre of SWGH where people from nearby villages can easily reach out to buy their day-to-day products.
BAKDIL has also submitted the application to NABARD for the extension of the market building in future.
The market started functioning right after the inauguration programme was completed and a pledge was taken to keep the market active and plastic-free.
The farmers were also encouraged to exhibit the ability to make home products by doing small businesses and selling available local products and, therefore, grow economically.
Others presentin the programme include Madras Dkhar, DDM NABARD; Fr. Sunny Joseph Mavelil, Director BAKDIL NGO; Mary Lisa Marak, BDO of Zikzak block and a large number of members from BAKDIL and women self-help groups.
