Post News Network
Keonjhar, June 17: One year after its successful operation, the Krushak Bazaar here remains closed for several months, leaving farmers and small traders in lurch. They are thus, pushed to roadsides and streets to sell their wares.
Due to lack of maintenance, the bazaar became unhygienic and eventually redundant. The administration is carrying out renovation work of the market. Hence, the place cannot be used by small traders and framers.
Sources said currently, the regulatory marketing committee (RMC) is constructing a godown at cost of `1 crore while Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) is spending similar amount for development of retail markets. But the traders are not sure when the facility will be completed.
About two years ago, the administration came up with a plan of Krushak Bazaar for welfare of farmers and small traders and set it up near Ram Mandir on Mining Road at a cost of `85 lakh (Rs 75 lakh from peripheral development fund and `10 lakh from MLALAD fund).
Five roofed platforms (pindis) were constructed and 108 small traders were allotted the facility while 200 vegetable vendors were rehabilitated in five roofless pindis. The farmers and traders did roaring business and earned sufficient income to manage their families. However, now they are forced to carry out their business on roadsides, near SP office, Police High School, Kali Padia, and Medical Road here. They have to face problems during summer and rainy season.
Gobinda Chandra Patra, a farmer of Gambharia Mahuladiha, lamented that lack of suitable market place for them had become a cause of concern. The administration should immediately come forward to open the Kushak Bazaar, he demanded.
At some places except Kalipadia, small traders have been evicted. Kalicharan Mohant said that the tribal farmers carry their produces to the town facing several difficulties.
But they often end up being swindled by others in the absence of proper market place like Kushak bazaar. Meanwhile, district collector N Tirumala Nayak reviewed the progress of the work at Krushak Bazaar and asked the officials concerned to speed it up.
