Uttarkashi farmers unite to help themselves via Gadh Bazaar

Ajay Ramola

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, January 29

Farmers in Uttarkashi, who were facing exploitation at the hands of intermediaries in the absence of a proper market, have formed a federation that organises a market known as Gadh Bazaar to help them sell their produce there and earn a sustainable livelihood.

Dwarika Semwal, an executive member of the Himalaya Paryavaran Jadi Buti Agro Sansthan, Jaadi Uttarkashi, told The Tribune during a brief visit to Mussoorie that around 60 farmers, who are members of the federation, were benefiting financially as they could now sell their produce directly in Gadh Bazaar without any middlemen.

He said the concept of Gadh Bazaar was gaining popularity among the farmers as they could sell their produce such as finger millet, barn millet and others and earn more profit than what they made while operating through middlemen. The Uttarkashi district administration had also directed subordinate officials to serve dishes made of local crops during workshops or conventions, he added.

Semwal said the federation was also providing necessary techniques and training to the farmers so that they could set up their own small-scale food processing units in their villages.

In Gadh Bazaar, farmers, artisans and craftsmen are provided kiosks, tents and other facilities so that they could sell their produce and goods without any trouble.

“It has been decided that Gadh Bazaar will be held in Uttarkashi every Monday. The success of the bazaar can be gauzed from the fact that since October the farmers associated with the federation have earned around Rs 15 to Rs 16 lakh by selling locally produced cereals, vegetables and fruits. The major attraction of Gadh Bazaar is that women have formed self-help groups and cook food using local crops, namely kandali (nettle leaves), and prepare mouthwatering dishes that are also good for health,” said Semwal.

He added the main objective of the whole exercise was to rekindle interest among the village youths towards agriculture by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Semwal said talks were also on with the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam on introducing a mandatory separate menu in their tourist guesthouses in the state so that tourists could also savour the taste of local food.

He demanded that the concept of Gadh Bazaar be propagated in all districts of the state as it would help in increasing agriculture productivity and generating employment. Ramchandra Chamoli was also present on the occasion.