Weekly Haat Bazaars empower farmers, women and villages

VIDISHA, Madhya Pradesh (Indian Catholic News) — A growing network of weekly community markets across North and Central India is transforming rural livelihoods, freeing farmers from exploitative traders, and empowering women to become entrepreneurs.

Caritas India’s Saksham programme, supported by Misereor Germany, has helped establish 20 village‑run Haat Bazaars since 2022. These weekly markets, rooted in Gandhian ideals of Swadeshi and self‑reliance, are reshaping local economies by cutting out middlemen and keeping money within communities.

“These Haat Baazars are not just places of commerce but a hub of empowerment and self‑reliance that makes healthy food accessible and affordable to all,” said Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Executive Director of Caritas India.

From growers to sellers

In Dhamnod village, Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, 200 households once depended on traders who pocketed most of the earnings. “We had to spend a good amount of our savings on travelling to the market to purchase commodities,” recalled farmer Sairam Ahirwar. The nearest markets were eight and 20 kilometres away.

Encouraged by Saksham, villagers held months of consultations before launching their own Saturday market in September 2022. “After six months of consultations, there was a consensus in the village to start a Haat Bazaar,” said youth leader Premchand Ahirwar. The market began with 12 stalls and grew to 80 within two months.

For young farmer Dheeraj, selling vegetables was a revelation. “It was a new experience to open a shop and sell something for the first time. I didn’t even know how to weigh things,” he said with a smile. Women also seized the opportunity. “Our decision to start our stalls succeeded, and we now have another dependable income source,” said Lata Kumar, one of the first four women farmers to open stalls.

Freedom from Exploitative traders

In Junsuti village, Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, farmers faced organised exploitation. “Once we bring our produce to the traders, we have to accept the rates they decide. Seldom do we get the rate we expect,” said farmer Gangaram. Transporting produce 12 kilometres to Mathura city consumed time and money, often leaving farmers worse off than daily wage labour.

The Agra Diocesan Social Service Society, implementing Saksham locally, helped farmers form a Kisan Club. “Since our frustration with traders was growing, our Kisan Club decided to give Haat Bazaar a serious thought,” said member Dhynachand. With support from the Panchayat village council, the community launched its own Sunday market in June 2023.

“On the opening day, many farmers sold their produce themselves for the first time. Even though there were very few stalls, more than 600 people visited,” said Sarpanch or village head Rajendra Upadhyay. The market has since grown to 60 shops. “The new Haat Bazaar helped us save money and time travelling to the market in Mathura,” Gangaram added.

Journey of a forest village

In Katrikadi, a tribal village in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, residents once travelled 25 kilometres to Sidhi town, often through impassable roads. “In the absence of a market to sell my produce profitably, I was finding it extremely difficult to meet household needs,” said marginal farmer Hiralal.

After persistent efforts, the community inaugurated its Haat Bazaar in March 2024. “The Haat Bazaar has changed my life. I’ve seen a remarkable increase in my weekly earnings,” said Mrs. Anarkali, one of 25 women who opened stalls. Farmer Mahipal Singh added, “The Haat Bazaar has created a large number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the villagers.”

Village leader Arjun Singh called it “a lifeline for Katrikadi,” fostering solidarity and mutual support.

Increasing local food availability

In Rampur village, Mathura district, residents travelled 18 kilometres to buy vegetables. “We have to invest an entire day whenever we go to the market,” said farmer Lakhansingh. With Saksham’s support, the local Kisan Club and women’s self‑help groups persuaded the Pradhan to back a weekly market.

“We decided in the general meeting that we would hold the Haat Bazaar every Saturday along the sides of the road,” said Pradhan Bhagwan Singh. On inauguration day in July 2022, ten vegetable stalls drew more than 400 visitors. “I have always been a housewife, but for the first time, I have come to market to sell something I grew myself. It is truly an empowering feeling,” said Ms. Sita.

A beacon of transformation

In Uttar Pradesh Lalitpur district’s Nathikheda village, the Haat Bazaar has become “a beacon of hope and economic opportunity” for small farmers, according to Caritas India. By selling directly, villagers are reclaiming control over their livelihoods and strengthening local food systems.

Across these villages, the weekly Haat Bazaars are more than markets. They are democratic spaces where farmers, women, and youth discover new roles as entrepreneurs. They reduce food miles, promote healthy diets, and keep rural economies vibrant.

This account is drawn from Caritas India’s impact narrative Haat Baazar: Market That Empowers, published in July 2024.

Read the “Haat Baazar: Market That Empowers” report.