On 18 March 2026, the tribal village of Sajjangarh in southern Rajasthan witnessed the grand and dignified inauguration of a new vegetable market (mandi). Established through the tireless joint efforts of the Krushi Avam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan (Bhilkuaan) and Vaagdhara, under the active leadership of the Gram Panchayat of Sajjangarh, the market is being hailed as a cornerstone for local self-governance, self-reliance, and a sustainable rural economy.
The greatest achievement of this initiative was evident in the satisfaction and confidence on the faces of farmers who, for the first time, brought their produce directly to the market and received a fair price.
For the residents of Sajjangarh and dozens of surrounding villages, farming has long been the axis of life. However, to sell their agricultural produce, farmers were forced to approach middlemen, who would buy their goods at throwaway prices and sell them at several times the cost in city markets. A large share of the farmer’s hard work was swallowed up by these intermediaries.
Adding to this burden were the heavy costs of transportation to distant markets and the loss of precious time, which kept farmers economically weak. Fresh vegetables would often spoil during transit, compounding their losses. The only permanent solution to these interconnected problems was the establishment of a local, organised, and transparent market. Vaagdhara and the Bhilkuaan Organisation had been working toward this goal for years—and today, their dream has been realised.
The inauguration ceremony was held as a grand community event. People’s representatives, senior citizens, farmers, vegetable vendors, traders, and a large number of villagers from Sajjangarh and four surrounding gram panchayats—Tanda Ratna, Rath Dhanraj, and Tanda Mangala—were present.
The programme was chaired by Shri Azhar Khan, Development Officer of the Panchayat Samiti, Sajjangarh, with proceedings conducted by Shri Dinesh Chandra Dindor. Distinguished guests included Shri P.L. Patel (representative of Vaagdhara Sansthan), Mandal President Shri Ramanlal Garasia, Sarpanch representative Shri Shantilal Katara, Deputy Sarpanch Shri Dadam Seth, President of the Tambeshwara Organisation Shri Man Singh Katara, President of the Bhilkua Organisation Shri Rubin Garasia, Sarpanch representative of Tanda Mangala Shri Lavji Bhai, Deputy Sarpanch Shri Ranveer Singh, and local trader Shri Neeraj Kalal. The presence of such a diverse group underscored that this is not merely the initiative of a single institution, but a shared endeavour of the entire community.
Dignitaries shared their thoughts on the significance of the market and its future possibilities, offering deep insight into its potential impact.
Shri Azhar Khan remarked, “The inauguration of this vegetable market in Sajjangarh is not merely the establishment of a marketplace—it is an important step toward the economic empowerment of the tribal region. Farmers will receive fair prices for their produce and will be freed from the cycle of middlemen. The administration will extend every possible support for the development of this market.”
Shri P.L. Patel, representative of Vaagdhara Sansthan, said, “Vaagdhara Sansthan has always aimed to promote self-reliance in rural and tribal areas. This market in Sajjangarh is a living example of that effort, where farmers will be able to connect directly with consumers and receive the right value for their produce. Our goal is that the concept of self-governance (Swaraj) be implemented in the life of every person.”
Mandal President Shri Ramanlal Garasia, giving voice to the feelings of the farmers, stated, “This market will prove to be a blessing for the farmers of our region. They will no longer need to depend on distant markets to sell their produce. They will receive a fair price locally, which will strengthen their financial position.”
Sarpanch representative Shri Shantilal Katara highlighted the role of the Gram Panchayat, saying, “Gram Panchayat Sajjangarh has always prioritised developmental work, and this market is the next link in that chain, which will become the identity of the entire region in the times to come. Our aim is not merely to establish a market, but to develop it as an ideal marketplace where both farmers and consumers benefit.”
Shri Man Singh Katara, President of the Tambeshwara Organisation, spoke on self-respect and self-reliance, noting that this initiative will take society to new heights and that everyone must work together to ensure its success.
More than just a centre for buying and selling, this vegetable market has been established as a symbol of a social movement, incorporating several important features and commitments that set it apart.
Separate Identity for Organic Vegetables
A key decision was made to ensure a separate identity for organic and chemical-free vegetables within the market. Special boards and banners will be installed so consumers can easily identify produce grown entirely by natural methods. This initiative is significant not only for health reasons but also as a positive step toward encouraging organic farming. It will provide special encouragement to farmers who cultivate using natural and traditional methods, avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Polythene-Free Campaign
Another important pledge taken at the event was to run a polythene-free campaign in the region starting from 1 April. Shri Azhar Khan appealed to all organisations, traders, and villagers to cooperate. This campaign is a vital environmental initiative that will improve both marketplace cleanliness and ecological health. Cloth bags and other eco-friendly alternatives will be promoted in place of polythene.
A Platform for Farmers to Learn
While conducting the proceedings, Shri Dinesh Chandra Dindor emphasised that this market will not only be a centre of trade but also a platform for farmers to learn and grow. Information about new agricultural techniques, improved seeds, modern irrigation methods, and market trends will be shared here. This knowledge exchange will enable farmers to improve both the quality and quantity of their produce.
The market is expected to provide direct and accessible market access to farmers from approximately 65 villages across 16 gram panchayats, with far-reaching economic impacts.
- Increased Income: By eliminating middlemen and enabling farmers to reach consumers directly, it is estimated that farmers’ incomes could increase by 30 to 50 percent.
- Savings in Transportation and Time: Selling produce locally will save farmers significant time and money previously spent traveling to distant markets—resources that can now be reinvested in their fields and families.
- Fresher Produce: Vegetables will now reach consumers within hours of being harvested in the morning, ensuring superior freshness and quality.
- Local Employment: The market will create new employment opportunities for local youth in areas such as market management, loading and unloading, weighing services, cleaning, and commerce, further boosting the local economy.
For decades, Vaagdhara has worked to put the concept of Swaraj (self-governance) into practice at the grassroots level among tribal and rural communities. Through land rights, water conservation, organic farming, women’s empowerment, and self-help groups, the organisation has been dedicated to enriching tribal life. The vegetable market in Sajjangarh represents yet another important milestone in this journey.
True local self-governance is realised when farmers themselves decide the price of their produce, when the panchayat plans its own village’s development, and when society finds solutions to its problems from within. With this market, Sajjangarh has taken another decisive step in the direction of that Swaraj.
---
*Freelance journalist
Comments