Hinjilicut: Twenty-two years have passed in the blink of an eye. Over this period, the state government has changed multiple times. However, the unfortunate reality remains that the farmers’ market in Hinjilicut, the second-largest city in Ganjam district, built at a cost of ₹68.92 lakh, has never been put to use.
Even today, while farmers across the state search for proper markets to sell their produce, this well-equipped market remains abandoned, failing to benefit the very people it was built for. Due to the government’s lack of commitment, the market has been left neglected and non-functional. Both political and administrative indifference are being directly blamed for this situation.
The market was initially meant to provide fruits and vegetables at affordable prices, but it has never served its intended purpose. As a result, farmers are forced to sell their hard-earned produce on the roadside. The main roads of the city have turned into makeshift marketplaces, with many farmers, including women, coming from surrounding villages to sell their produce.
Every day from 6 AM, these farmers set up stalls along the city’s main roads, selling their goods amid heavy traffic. This situation is not only inconvenient but also dangerous, as farmers sit on busy roads while vehicles pass by.
Now, with a new government in power, various initiatives are being taken, such as opening cold storage facilities and launching schemes for agriculture and farmer development. However, unless this farmers’ market is made operational, it will soon be lost forever. There is no doubt about that.
Despite being inaugurated by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on June 21, 2002, the market has remained unused since its construction. Farmers continue to struggle to get fair prices for their produce, and the situation remains unchanged.
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