Farmers’ mkt launched to link growers, buyers

The district administration has taken an exceptional initiative to curb the influence of syndicates and middlemen in Sylhet’s agricultural markets. For the first time, a “Farmers’ Market” has been launched in the Tilagarh area of the city, where marginal farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers without the involvement of brokers.

The market, set up adjacent to Tilagarh Point, was officially inaugurated on Saturday (April 11) morning by Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

Launched under the slogan “Safe and fresh products directly from farmers,” the initiative has been jointly undertaken by the Sylhet District Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension. It allows marginal farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without any middlemen.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, the Commerce Minister said the government is taking various initiatives to ensure transparency and balance in market management. He noted that agricultural products often change hands four to five times before reaching consumers, resulting in unreasonable price hikes. The “Farmers’ Haat” will reduce these intermediary stages and create a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.

He added that direct connections between farmers and consumers would bring relief to the market.
The minister further said that the market will be held at designated locations on specific days of the week under the supervision of the district and upazila administrations, where farmers will sell their products directly.