The establishment of the Haat Bazaar in Silpura village has ushered in a new era of opportunities for small farmers, who previously had to travel 18 kilometers to sell their produce in towns. This arduous journey was not only expensive but also consumed valuable time. With the commencement of the Haat Bazaar in their own village, farmers can now sell fresh vegetables directly to consumers, bypassing middlemen and reducing transportation costs. This shift has enabled them to secure better prices for their produce while fostering a sense of community.

The local circulation of money and the check on money drain from the village have strengthened the village economy, making the Haat Bazaar a symbol of empowerment and progress for Silpura’s smallholder farmers. Silpura, a tribal dominated village, is located in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh which has for years experienced high vulnerabilities due to climate change.

“Earlier, we had to go to the market 18 kilometers away to sell our produce, which was a waste of both time and money,” said Mr. Kishan Lal Uike, a local farmer leader. “Now, through the Haat Bazaar, we can sell our vegetables in the village itself, which is giving us good profits. On the very first day, I earned ₹310 in just two hours, and now I am confident that when I set up my stall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., I can earn ₹1500 a day. This Haat Bazaar is opening a new way for my livelihood”, Uike said.

The market’s impact extends beyond farmers, providing opportunities for other traders who sell goods such as sweets, tea, snacks, toys, baskets, brooms, and household essentials. This has created a dynamic economic hub within the village, offering affordable goods to the community.

The establishment of the Haat Bazaar was spearheaded by the 3 Small Holder Farmer Collectives (SHFCs) of Silpura under the SAFBIN project promoted as platforms for farmers to identify solutions to their farming challenges. SAFBIN, supported by Caritas Austria and Caritas India, had launched a slew of initiatives to empower small farmers and strengthen the local economy. Recognizing the need for a dedicated market, the SHFC members came together and presented the idea to the village panchayat. The panchayat leaders approved the village market plan and allocated space at the village’s main junction. The SAFBIN team coordinated efforts between farmers and traders, ensuring the market’s smooth setup and long-term viability.

The inauguration of the Haat Bazaar on November 29, 2024, marked a significant milestone. Held at the village square, the ceremony was a celebration of months of meticulous planning and collective effort of the community. Mr. Sonu Bhalavi, District Panchayat President of Mandla, officially inaugurated the people’s market amidst cheers from the farming community. “The Haat Bazaar will prove to be a milestone in the development of the area. It will not only give new livelihoods to the local communities but also strengthen the solidarity of the rural community,” he said.

Fr. Dominic Thomas, Director of Jabalpur Diocesan Social Service Soceity (JDSSS) an implementing partner of SAFBIN, highlighted the market’s broader impact, “The bazaar will not only support the farmers but will also benefit other local traders. Youth of the village will have more profitable livelihoods and farming will become more profitable” Panchayat member Lal Korram emphasized how the market has become a lifeline for Silpura and nearby villages, fulfilling daily needs and promoting local commerce. “With the establishment of a market in Silpura, the people of the nearby five villages will be able to fulfill their daily needs of food items, vegetables, grains, agricultural equipment, salt, etc., from the local market,” he said.

In just one month after its grand opening, the Silpura Haat Bazaar boasts 62 shops, with 13 run by local farmers and an impressive 26 operated by women entrepreneurs. Most of the other shops were of SAFBIN Project farmers from the neighbouring villages.

Reflecting on the past, Mr. Kishan Lal, a farmer leader, recalled an earlier attempt in 2007-08 to establish a local market, which failed due to widespread poverty and lack of participation. “Traders came for two-three weeks and then they stopped opening shops. That was the end of the local market then,” he said. However, the current Haat Bazaar stands as a testament to resilience and collective determination, transforming Silpura’s economic landscape.

“The inauguration of the Haat Bazaar has started a new chapter for Silpura village. Now the doors of development and business have been opened for us,” said Mr. Naresh Marko, the Sarpanch of Silpura. “This market has become a symbol of hope and progress for our community,” he added.

The Haat Bazaar in Silpura is more than just a market; it is a symbol of hope, collective will, resilience, and community-driven progress. As villagers continue to make substanital economic benefits, the Haat Bazaar stands as a shining example of how local efforts, supported by thoughtful planning, can create a lasting change.