Villagers initiate a market for themselves

 Situation in the Beginning: Srinagar and Naukhar are two villages situated in the Sohawal block of Satna district. Being farmers most of the villagers used to cultivate different types of grains, millets and vegetables, etc. As financial necessities increased many of them turned into cash crops and/or crops with high demand only. Due to this, the availability of food variants became too low which in turn affected the general health of the people. Since they were forced to bring vegetables from far away markets they had to spend more money, time and energy. The chemical-filled vegetables from huge markets were badly affecting their health too.

Steps Taken: The villagers gradually realized these problems but, they didn’t know what to do. Project PRATIKASHA, helped the villagers to take some strong decisions which would help their lives. For the better of their health, they started cultivating different vegetables at home. The seeds, techniques and support were given by the project and the people started it with enthusiasm. Around 70% of the households started kitchen gardens and soon the village had enough and more vegetables for their use. Now the issue was the excess vegetables and their selling. Taking the vegetable to the far away markets was not feasible for them as they didn’t have huge loads of vegetables.

Intervention made – The PLDP project staff made the community members to discuss the issue in their meetings. Several suggestions were made and the villagers finally decided to start a vegetable market and sell their vegetables by themselves. This would bridge the gap between the farmer and the buyer, thus making it profitable for both. They would conduct the market once in a month, in the beginning and after observing the growth it would be held more times. On 18^th September 2019, they organized the first market in the open area near the Srinagar Anganwadi. There were several farmers to sell their agricultural products and others to sell other household items.

Present Situation: As the first attempt was a huge success, they decided to continue it and to conduct the market on 18^th of every month. This allows the farmers to exchange their vegetables and other products and to earn extra income. The local market also ensures the availability of fresh & nutritious vegetables without the fear of chemicals in it.