Empowering smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable livelihoods have always been at the heart of Caritas India’s mission. Through the SAFBIN III project, Caritas India has taken a significant step toward transforming rural economies by establishing a Community Haat Bazar at Kolua village in Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh. This vibrant local market, inaugurated on November 19, 2024, is not just a trading space; it is a symbol of hope, empowerment, and progress for the farmers and villagers of Kolua.

For farmers like Purushottam Sen, the Haat Bazar has brought transformative change. “Earlier, we had to travel 20 kilometers to distant markets to sell our produce, which wasted both time and money,” he explained, reflecting on the challenges farmers faced before the local market was established. “Now, through the Haat Bazar, we can sell our vegetables right here in the village. On the very first day, I made ₹470 in just two hours, and I’m confident I’ll earn more when I extend my stall hours.” His enthusiasm was evident as he shared how the market has given him and others the chance to sell directly to consumers, bypassing middlemen and saving on transportation costs.

For Sonu Ahirwar, the market has created a new source of income that once seemed unimaginable. “I earned ₹2,000 in a single day!” he said, smiling with pride. “This Haat Bazar has opened a new avenue for my livelihood.” His words echoed the sentiments of many others who are now able to support their families more sustainably.

Similarly, Lalita Bai, another smallholder farmer, highlighted the ease and convenience the market has brought. “Earlier, we had to travel far to sell our goods,” she said, describing the exhausting trips that farmers like her used to make to sell produce in nearby towns. “Thanks to the Haat Bazar, we now have the opportunity to sell directly to consumers in our village. It’s saving us time, travel costs, and giving us better profits. This has been very beneficial for us.” The smile on her face reflected the newfound confidence she had in her ability to contribute to her household’s income.

Even for the villagers who come to buy goods at the market, the Haat Bazar has become a valuable addition to their lives. Ramesh Singh, a regular visitor, shared his perspective: “The market has brought new energy to our community. We can now buy fresh fruits and vegetables without traveling to the city. The best part is that the money stays in the village, strengthening our local economy.”

The establishment of the Haat Bazar was the result of months of meticulous planning and community collaboration under the SAFBIN project. It began with the formation of Smallholder Farmers Committees (SHFC) to create a platform for collective action. Through community meetings and micro-planning sessions, the SAFBIN team worked closely with the villagers and the local panchayat to identify the pressing need for a local market.

Recognizing the potential of the initiative, the Gram Panchayat allocated space for the market at Kolua’s main junction. With support from Caritas India, farmers were provided with vegetable seeds and encouraged to grow crops suited to the village’s irrigation facilities. As the first harvest approached, the community came together to make the Haat Bazar a reality.
The SAFBIN team coordinated efforts between farmers and traders, ensuring the market’s smooth setup and long-term sustainability. On inauguration day, the village was filled with excitement as farmers proudly displayed their produce, and local traders set up stalls selling items like tea, sweets, toys, and household goods.

The presence of key stakeholders such as Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of MVSS, added significance to the event. Addressing the gathered crowd, he said, “The Haat Bazar will not only support farmers but also benefit local traders, making the village more self-sufficient.” Sarpanch Bhupendra Chadar also expressed gratitude toward SAFBIN for bringing this initiative to life, emphasizing the importance of keeping money circulating within the community to boost the local economy.

The Haat Bazar has become more than just a marketplace—it is a dynamic hub of economic and social activity. Farmers sell their fresh produce, while local traders offer a variety of goods, from snacks, tea, and sweets to toys, baskets, and household items. This diversity enriches the market, making it a one-stop destination for villagers to buy and sell essential goods.
Beyond the transactions, the Haat Bazar has created a sense of pride and unity in Kolua. Villagers no longer feel the need to depend on distant towns for their needs, and the local economy is growing stronger with every market day. The initiative is helping smallholder farmers find new ways to thrive, giving them the confidence to envision a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

The success of the Haat Bazar is a powerful example of localisation—a principle that Caritas India champions through its programs. By empowering communities to take charge of their own development, initiatives like the Haat Bazar strengthen local economies, reduce dependence on external markets, and create sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving marketplace that is revitalizing Kolua village. Farmers are now able to earn higher incomes, traders have new opportunities, and villagers have convenient access to fresh goods—all while keeping money circulating within the community.

The Haat Bazar, held every Thursday, has become a symbol of hope and empowerment, showing how local initiatives can drive sustainable development. For Kolua’s smallholder farmers, the market is not just a place to trade—it’s a pathway to a brighter, more secure future.

Through the SAFBIN project, Caritas India continues to stand by smallholder farmers, proving that when communities come together, transformative change is possible.

Because true development is rooted in the people—and Kolua’s Haat Bazar is a shining example of this.