Kolanara: Residents of Lekapaira under Kolanara Gram Panchayat have demanded the establishment of a weekly market in their area. They believe that such a market will benefit farmers and people engaged in collecting minor forest produce, allowing them to sell their goods more conveniently. This initiative is expected to contribute to the economic development of the region.
Currently, the government has not taken any specific measures to facilitate the sale of minor forest produce. As a result, traders visit villages and purchase these products at very low prices directly from households, only to resell them at higher prices in the market, earning significant profits. Meanwhile, farmers and villagers suffer financial losses.
Regarding this issue, on the 26th of last month, a proposal was put forward during the annual general meeting of the Kolanara LAMPS at the RMSC warehouse near Lekapaira village. The former LAMPS president and farmer, Tadingi Jagana, representing the RMSC, proposed the establishment of a weekly market in the area. Many farmers from the region have expressed their support for this initiative.
The region produces a variety of minor forest products such as Siali leaves, Siali fiber, tamarind, myrobalan, haritaki, bahada, mango, jackfruit, and mahua, among others. However, due to the lack of proper market facilities from the administration, the farmers are unable to sell their products efficiently. Therefore, they have urged the RMSC to take immediate action and set up the weekly market on Sundays.