Yam stem, Wild Banana flower, and papaya flower etc are so unique that it appears that you are in some other world. You won’t see these food items in a big urban market, but you might find them in the Rural Haat (farmers’ market) along with a host of other indigenous and nutritious food.

In the North Garo Hills District of Meghalaya, Caritas India is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers through its innovative FARM Northeast program. This initiative is not just about farming; it is about building a resilient, self-sufficient community that thrives on sustainable agricultural practices and local market integration.

Smallholder farmers in Northeast India face myriad challenges, including limited access to markets, financial instability, and the adverse impacts of climate change. Caritas India’s Farm Northeast initiative addresses these issues head-on by providing farmers with the necessary tools, training, and support to enhance their agricultural productivity and market presence.

The collective marketing approach promoted by the FARM Northeast program is designed to build cultivator-consumer connectivity and establish robust market linkages between smallholder farmers and consumers. By creating awareness about food and nutrition among farmers, the program encourages them to produce nutritious food and market their produce directly, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

Rural haats solve several logistical challenges related to transportation, storage, processing, and physical access. These markets allow consumers to obtain fresh and nutritious food in one place, facilitate direct exchanges between consumers and producers, and ensure fair prices for farmers by bypassing middlemen. One of the most notable achievements of the FARM Northeast program has been the establishment of the Rural Haat.

To support these endeavours, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) funded the construction of a 1,600-square-foot Rural Haat at Upper Wageasi. On February 14, 2024, the Rural Haat was inaugurated by Dr. Prabhudatta Sahoo, GM of NABARD, Shillong, in the presence of other notable dignitaries.

This Rural Haat serves more than ten villages within the FARM project area, acting as a marketplace and a community gathering point. Key to their popularity is providing a clean, hygienic, safe, and secure environment for conducting business.

Constructed with community input, the Rural Haat at Wageasi was designed with several objectives in mind: enhancing marketing opportunities for local and organic vegetables, wild edibles, fruits, and other local products; providing a better platform for local vendors, particularly women, to sell their products, thereby supporting income generation; and creating opportunities for skill development in various economic activities, both agricultural and non-farm, particularly for women SHG members and youth.

Built on community land at Upper Wageasi village under the Kharkutta Block, the haat spans 1,600 square feet and was constructed at Rs. 16,00,000 (sixteen lakhs). It features modern amenities including drinking water facilities, solar lighting, toilets, and waste disposal bins. The Upper Wageasi Rural Haat symbolizes the evolving landscape of rural Garo communities. Previously, local sellers had to travel long distances, often selling their produce in scattered, unhygienic conditions. Now, they benefit from a permanent, clean, and convenient marketplace.

The Rural Haat operates daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, attracting 50 to 100 sellers, a significant increase from the previous 10 to 15 sellers. On average, a seller earns a profit of Rs. 500 to 1,000 daily. This modern marketplace has not only benefited the six FARM-IV project villages but also the surrounding 10 to 12 villages.

Both local farmers and buyers are delighted with the Rural Haat, a common dream realized through the collective efforts of the FARM-IV team and BAKDIL. Andrew R. Marak, Field Programme Associate at BAKDIL, shared his thoughts: “The Rural Haat at Wageasi is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the community and the support from NABARD. It has truly transformed the way local farmers and vendors conduct their business, providing them with a sustainable and thriving marketplace.”

This successful project underscores the potential for community-driven initiatives to create sustainable development and improve livelihoods in rural areas. As Caritas India continues to champion such initiatives, the future looks promising for smallholder farmers in Northeast India.