Patna: The Government of Bihar has approved a plan to establish 725 modern rural haats and marketplaces across villages as part of the Viksit Bharat–Ji Ram Ji Mission 2025. The initiative is designed to strengthen rural livelihoods by providing farmers and small traders with organised and accessible spaces to sell produce closer to their homes.
Officials said the project will comprise 447 smaller haats and 278 larger markets, aimed at serving farmers, livestock rearers and fish producers. According to Pankaj Kumar, principal secretary of the rural development department, the scheme seeks to enhance price realisation and reduce dependence on distant mandis by offering structured village-level trading infrastructure.
The markets will be categorised into three groups based on land size and capacity. Smaller haats will include raised platforms, sheds, toilets, drinking water facilities and waste management systems, alongside three permanent shops reserved for women from self-help groups. Medium and large markets will feature expanded facilities such as 13 to 16 platforms, administrative offices, multipurpose storage spaces and up to six permanent retail units for women entrepreneurs, with a focus on improved hygiene and management.
A central component of the initiative is the integration of all rural markets with the e-NAM digital trading platform, allowing farmers to access national markets and improve price discovery through online sales. After construction, operations and maintenance will be handled by relevant departments, while district-level committees chaired by district magistrates will oversee monitoring and upkeep.
Rural development minister Shrawon Kumar said the scheme is expected to strengthen the rural economy, curb the role of intermediaries and provide a modern marketplace for agricultural produce and handicrafts. The government also anticipates the project will expand economic opportunities for women through dedicated retail spaces and improved market participation.
