Success story of the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission: Rural Haat in Mannarghat Gram Panchayat of the Ferrargunj cluster, South Andaman
The concept of a Rural Haat (market) in South Andaman, particularly for the Ferrargunj cluster, is playing a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of local communities by providing a structured platform for the sale and exchange of agricultural produce, handicrafts, and other locally made products.
Ferrargunj is a key administrative block within the South Andaman district that largely depends on agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industries. Mannarghat Gram Panchayat is a rural local body in Ferrargunj Panchayat Samiti where the haat is established. The rural haat serves as a focal point for local farmers and artisans. It operates on a weekly basis, attracting sellers and buyers from neighboring villages.
The need of the haat arose from the fact that there were no markets for the farmers and they were compelled to sell their produce to the mediators at very cheap rates hence compromising on their profits. The Rural haat was constructed in a strategically accessible location by the Mannarghat Gram Panchayat under the Rural haat scheme with national bank of agriculture and rural development.
The haat typically operates twice a week, drawing footfall from surrounding areas. The products typically seen at the rural haat includes agricultural produce like fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, and coconuts. Handicrafts items like Bamboo products, woven mats, and traditional crafts. Fisheries produce like fresh fish and dried seafood.
Challenges and Opportunities with the Mannarghat Rural Haat
Despite its strategic importance, the rural haat in Ferrargunj faces several challenges, which also form opportunities to maximise it’s reach and potential. Initiatives to enhance the rural haat can be undertaken collaboratively by the government and local NGOs. Lets look at the various aspects –
Infrastructure: The lack of permanent stalls, inadequate storage facilities, and poor sanitation conditions deter potential buyers and sellers. Investing in infrastructure will enhance seller buyer experience and also attract tourist along with local population. Even though the Mannarghat haat is located centrally in a strategic location, Improving road access will also help to bring people from far away villages.
Marketing and Awareness: The haat lacks marketing and promotion albeit traditional which limits its reach. With proper marketing and awareness campaigns, participation of buyers and sellers from remote villages will increase. This will also provide better business opportunities by attracting as well as serving tourists in general.
Seasonal Variability: The availability of produce is often seasonal, leading to fluctuations in the variety and volume of goods sold. Helping to increase the variety of products will help keep the haat thriving perennially.
Income Generation: By providing well-organised and operational market ecosystem, local farmers and artisans can achieve better prices for their products, leading to increased household incomes.
Social Cohesion and Preserving Culture: The rural haat serves as a gathering place for the people of the community, leading to interactions and bonding. This increases social cohesion of the comunity. The haat becomes a platform for the sale of traditional crafts, helping preserve local culture and traditions. By attracting tourists, the haat holds the potential to share the culture of Andamans with others.
The rural haat in Ferrargunj has significant potential to become a thriving marketplace that not only supports the local economy but also promotes cultural heritage. Addressing the current challenges through strategic infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and targeted marketing initiatives can transform the haat into a vibrant center of commerce and culture in South Andaman.
