The farmers of Honnapur village have found a new way of selling their produce to the bypassers on the roads. These farmers sell a variety of organic items every Tuesday from 4 PM to 9 PM. What was once a mere thoroughfare transforms into a bustling hub of activity as local farmers unveil their treasure trove of organic delights to eager customers.

Situated 21 km away from the city of Dharwad lying between the Dharwad and Goa inter-state highway, nearly 200 households of this village are dependent on agriculture for their sustenance. In their average land size of 2.4 acres, these farmers grow vegetables, bajra, groundnuts, cotton, sugarcane, etc.

However, despite good produce, a formidable challenge loomed large – the absence of a proper marketplace. Undeterred, the village’s stalwarts joined hands with Belgaum Diocesan Social Service Society (BDSSS) under Caritas India’s Ujjivana project, where community educators listened keenly to their plight. Together, they devised a plan to sell their organic treasures separately, igniting a spark of hope amidst adversity.

Before the dawn of the BDSSS in 2021, another organization, ‘SPANDANA’, had sowed the seeds of change. With a vision of cultivating organic bounty, SPANDANA motivated Honnapur’s farmers to till their fields with care, embracing organic manure and bidding adieu to harmful pesticides.

In a heartening display of solidarity, 20 farmers banded together, with five courageous souls stepping forward to spearhead the initiative. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Ramesh Hugar, whose shed now serves as a hub for their produce, the dream of a local organic market becomes a reality.

From plump tomatoes to crisp cucumbers, fragrant coriander to fiery green chilies, Honnapur’s farmers offer a kaleidoscope of flavors, each bite a testament to their dedication and the richness of the soil. And the response from the community? It’s nothing short of extraordinary.

Customers flock from different places, drawn by the promise of fresh, pesticide-free produce. Within hours, shelves empty, baskets overflow, and hearts are filled with gratitude for the nourishing bounty. For farmer Ramanna Nandavadi, this market represents more than just a source of income – it’s a symbol of pride, resilience, and community spirit.

“This market has helped the farmers in a massive way to sit and sell their organic produce with heads held high,” he shares, echoing the sentiments of a grateful community.

In a world where supermarkets reign supreme, Honnapur’s farmers have carved out a niche for themselves, driven by a shared vision of health, sustainability, and community. Through the unwavering support of BDSSS and Caritas India, they have not only cultivated crops but nurtured dreams, proving that together, they can overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

As the sun sets on Honnapur’s fields, it casts a golden glow upon a community united in purpose, bound by the earth beneath their feet, and destined for a future brimming with promise. And as their story spreads far and wide, it serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and embrace the transformative power of unity and resilience.