Patna: The Bihar government is committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners in the state. As part of this initiative, the government is working on a master plan to modernize rural haats and markets under the Developed India–Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural). The move aims to strengthen the rural economy, promote livestock and fisheries, and provide better market access for local products.
725 Rural Haats and Markets to Be Developed
Under the plan, a total of 725 haats and markets will be developed across Bihar, including 447 haats and 278 markets of different categories. The Rural Development Department has been tasked with implementing this initiative at the village level.
Shravan Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Rural Development and Transport, said the government aims to enhance the rural economy by providing improved market facilities for local products. This initiative is expected to benefit small farmers and traders the most.
Categorization and Facilities for Developed Haats
According to Principal Secretary Pankaj Kumar, the haats and markets will be developed in phases under the Developed India–Jeevika Mission:
- First Category (20–49 decimal plots): 136 haats and 73 markets
- Second Category (50–99 decimal plots): 125 haats and 96 markets
- Third Category (1 acre or more): 186 haats and 109 markets
All developed haats and markets will include sheds, platforms, toilets, drinking water facilities, offices, and multi-purpose stores. Permanent shops will also be allocated for Jeevika Diidis (self-help group women), creating a centralized marketplace at the local level and improving employment opportunities for rural residents.
Integration with e-NAM and Local Committees
The developed haats and markets will be linked to the e-NAM scheme by the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, Agriculture Department, ensuring better market access for farmers. After development, the haats will be handed over to district-level officials, who will form committees to oversee operations and maintain quality.
The initiative will also focus on empowering women, self-help groups, and local producers, creating new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Boosting Livelihoods and Rural Economy
Farmers in Bihar have welcomed the initiative, saying it will significantly improve market access and boost their incomes. The government has expressed its determination to implement the plan on the ground soon, bringing tangible benefits to rural communities.
