Importance of Farmers’ Market

Posted by Prof. Mangala V Reddy On 15/07/2023 06:32:44

India is largely an agrarian economy and society, 50% of Indians today are engaged in farming. Agriculture accounted for 13.2% of India’s export last year. Despite the largess of this sector, in the past few years, we have heard and seen the depravity each farmer has to face every day in terms of shortage of funds, no access to market, bad crops, no knowledge about subsidies, and so on and so forth.

Farmers' Market is an initiative to uplift small and marginal farmers by directly connecting them to the consumer through the setting up of temporary farmer’s markets in residential complexes. Farmers’ markets are a fundamental part of the urban–rural interface, they have continued to grow in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products, especially produce directly from the farm. Farmers’ markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce, enable farmers to develop personal relationships with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grow the produce. Direct marketing of farm products through farmers’ markets continues to be a significant sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide.

Objectives of Farmers Market

  • To provide not only more demand avenues but also a regular and stable income for farmers. Through Farmers’ Markets
  • To empower small and marginal farmers by increasing their income substantially and transforming them into entrepreneurs, who are not dependent on the middlemen or any other such intermediaries to reach the market. 

Presently in Bengaluru, there are two farmers' markets- Ragi Kana Santhe and Bhoomi Santhe which are operating to help the farmers reach consumers directly. Ragi Kana is a cultural hub that hosts a rural market every Sunday at a school on Bannerghatta Road. From khadi clothing to grocery and local snacks, and performances and discussions, this is nothing short of a local carnival. Anyone who cares about conscious living and wants to experience the traditional Karnataka lifestyle. Also, for those who want to try healthy living and appreciate the people who are helping us do so — from farmers to artisans. The farm tour and seed ball making will bring back childhood memories for adults and for kids it is a good experience that they miss out on in our urban setup.

Bhoomi Santhe brings organic, local farmers together from the Sarjapur area and other parts of Karnataka. Consumers can buy fresh vegetables, oils, jaggery, and coconuts from farmers. But unlike a normal transaction where one goes and buys a product from a seller, here, there is a chance of directly interacting with the farmers.

This type of market will help to interact with producers and consumers and know more about sustainability, ecological and economic development. This not only helps the producers to fetch better prices for their produce but also consumers will inculcate the habit of clean eating with less to no wastage of food.

Conclusion

Farmer’s Market is a place for children to come in and understand what sustainable development is and encourage the community to come together. It is not only about consuming, but it is also about experiencing and connecting. More than 300 people participate in these santhes.

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