In a move aimed at reducing middlemen influence and ensuring fair prices for farmers while providing consumers with safe and affordable food, the first government-run farmers’ market has been launched in Sylhet.
The market was officially inaugurated on Saturday morning near Tilagarh Point in the city by Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandker Abdul Muktadir.
The initiative, jointly organized by the Sylhet District Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension, was launched under the slogan “Safe and fresh products directly from farmers.” It will allow marginal farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without intermediaries.
Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the government is taking various initiatives to bring transparency and balance to the market system. He noted that agricultural products often change hands four to five times before reaching consumers, leading to unjustified price hikes. The “Farmers’ Market” is expected to reduce these layers, creating a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.
He added that direct connections between farmers and consumers would help stabilize the market and bring relief to buyers.
According to the minister, the market will be held on specific days each week at designated locations under the supervision of district and upazila administrations. Strict monitoring will prevent extortion or unexpected costs.
He also highlighted the government’s plan to modernize the supply chain—from import to retail—by introducing an integrated digital system. This will make market monitoring easier and help quickly detect any irregularities.
To maintain stability in the essential commodities market, the minister said the activities of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be strengthened, with increased imports to create an effective counterbalance in the market.
The function was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam. Among others present were Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, local BNP leaders and high officials.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, the market will operate every morning at designated locations. If successful, the initiative is expected to ensure fair prices for farmers and provide consumers with access to fresh, safe, and reasonably priced products—positively impacting the overall market system.
