Institutions of rural haats and marts- key to socio-economic empowerment: Evidence from Jharkhand

The focus of agricultural policy in India has shifted from production to income augmentation as reflected in the avowed goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Towards this, marketing institutions assume importance. At the grassroots level, weekly Rural Haats and Marts are the first lines of marketing avenues for farmers which have the potential to improve the income of primary producers and farmers. However, lack of proper infrastructure, i.e., raised platforms with roof shades, pathways, lack of proper connectivity, inadequate drainage, lack of toilets, and proper hygiene are serious challenges resulting in the low level of economic and social exchange in such markets. Against this backdrop, the study was conducted in Jharkhand to assess the impact of infrastructure created in NABARD assisted rural Haats and Marts on the socio-economic conditions of rural people in the catchment areas. The study found that up-gradation of infrastructure in the sample rural Haats has led to an increase in the number of sellers and buyers, increase in income level of sellers, lower price for buyers, increased level of social exchange among the buyers/sellers, and socio-economic empowerment of villagers including women. The study suggested more investments in such infrastructures in institutions like rural Haats and Marts and better convergence of similar such schemes by the public, private and non-government organizations for profound impact on primary producers, artisans and women SHG members in the long run.