On 18 March 2026, the tribal village of Sajjangarh in southern Rajasthan witnessed the grand and dignified inauguration of a vegetable market (mandi). This market has been established through the tireless joint efforts of the Krushi avm Adivasi swraj Sagthan(Bhilkuaan) and Vaagdhara, under the active leadership of the Gram Panchayat of Sajjangarh. It is being seen as a strong cornerstone toward local self-governance, self-reliance, and a sustainable rural economy in the region. When farmers came directly to this market with their produce and received a fair price, the satisfaction and confidence visible on their faces was the greatest achievement of this initiative.

Farming has long been the axis of life for the residents of Sajjangarh and dozens of surrounding villages. However, to sell their agricultural produce, farmers had to go to the doors of middlemen, who would buy their produce at throwaway prices and sell it in city markets at several times the cost. In this process, a large share of the farmer’s hard work was swallowed up in the middleman’s profit.

Additionally, the heavy cost of transportation to distant markets and the loss of precious time had been keeping farmers economically weak. Fresh vegetables would spoil during transport, causing further losses. The only permanent solution to all these problems was the establishment of a local, organised, and transparent market. Vaagdhara and the Bhilkuaan Organisation had been working toward this goal for years, and today their dream has come true.

The inauguration ceremony was held as a grand event. People’s representatives, senior citizens, farmers, vegetable vendors, traders, and a large number of villagers from Sajjangarh and four surrounding gram panchayatsTanda Ratna, Rath Dhanraj, and Tanda Mangala — were present. The programme was chaired by Shri Azhar Khan, Development Officer of the Panchayat Samiti, Sajjangarh. The proceedings were conducted by Shri Dinesh Chandra Dindor. Distinguished guests included Shri P.L. Patel (representative of Vaagdhara Sansthan), Mandal President Shri Ramanlal Garasia, Sarpanch representative Shri Shantilal Katara, Deputy Sarpanch Shri Dadam Seth, President of the Tambeshwara Organisation Shri Man Singh Katara, President of the Bhilkua Organisation Shri Rubin Garasia, Sarpanch representative of Tanda Mangala Shri Lavji Bhai, Deputy Sarpanch Shri Ranveer Singh, and local trader Shri Neeraj Kalal. The presence of all these individuals was proof that this is not merely the initiative of one institution or organisation, but a shared endeavour of the entire community.

Various dignitaries shared their thoughts at the programme, reflecting deep insight into the significance of this market and its future possibilities.

Shri Azhar Khan said: The inauguration of this vegetable market in Sajjangarh is not merely the establishment of a marketplace — it is an important step toward the economic empowerment of the tribal region. Farmers will receive fair prices for their produce and will be freed from the cycle of middlemen. The administration will extend every possible support for the development of this market.

Shri P.L. Patel, representative of Vaagdhara Sansthan, said:”Vaagdhara Sansthan has always aimed to promote self-reliance in rural and tribal areas. This market in Sajjangarh is a living example of that effort, where farmers will be able to connect directly with consumers and receive the right value for their produce. Our goal is that the concept of self-governance (Swaraj) be implemented in the life of every person.

Mandal President Shri Ramanlal Garasia, giving voice to the feelings of the farmers, said:This market will prove to be a blessing for the farmers of our region. They will no longer need to depend on distant markets to sell their produce. They will receive a fair price locally, which will strengthen their financial position.”

Sarpanch representative Shri Shantilal Katara, highlighting the role of the Gram Panchayat, said that Gram Panchayat Sajjangarh has always prioritised developmental work, and this market is the next link in that chain, which will become the identity of the entire region in the times to come.Our aim is not merely to establish a market, but to develop it as an ideal marketplace where both farmers and consumers benefit.

*Shri Man Singh Katara, President of the Tambeshwara Organisation, speaking in the context of self-respect and self-reliance, said that this initiative will take society to new heights, and everyone must work together to make it a success.

Source: Global Research