Amid rising market prices causing distress for the general population, a "Farmers’ Market" has been launched in Thakurgaon to facilitate direct sales of agricultural products like vegetables from small-scale farmers to consumers.
This initiative, led by the Thakurgaon District Administration, aims to ensure fair prices for both farmers and consumers.
The market, inaugurated on Friday morning by Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Esrat Farzana, is being actively managed by the district’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in collaboration with student volunteers.
From monitoring operations to engaging vendors, they are playing a pivotal role in organizing the market.
The market offers essential items such as onions, chilies, vegetables, fish, and meat at fair prices, according to the organizers.
Initially, it will operate on Fridays and Saturdays as a trial, but officials have said that it could be extended to a seven-day schedule based on public demand.
To maintain environmental sustainability, the use of polythene bags has been banned since November 1, as per government directives. Instead, jute and biodegradable bags made from corn husks are being provided.
The market also features a unique stall named "Humanity’s Groceries," where financially capable buyers can donate goods for distribution to underprivileged individuals free of cost.
The Thakurgaon unit of the Bangladesh Army is assisting with security and market monitoring. Captain Foyez from the unit said that the market had a promising start, quickly becoming busy as the day progressed, and assured full support for the initiative alongside the civil administration.
Farmers and consumers alike expressed optimism about the market.
A small-scale vegetable farmer, Kalam, shared that he could sell his produce, such as beans, at better prices compared to wholesale markets.
Similarly, a buyer, Parvez from Ashram Para, said that prices were somewhat lower than regular markets due to the absence of middlemen.
Deputy Commissioner Esrat Farzana toured the market, engaging with both buyers and sellers to gather feedback.
Speaking to journalists, she said: “This market was initiated to create opportunities for small-scale farmers to sell their produce directly and for consumers to access fresh produce at relatively lower prices.”
The representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Farzana and Rakibul, added that this initiative aims to break the existing price syndicates, allowing farmers to sell directly to consumers while promoting sustainability through eco-friendly packaging.
The pilot project is already gaining popularity, with buyers and sellers expressing hope for its growth and long-term impact.