The Rythu Bazar in Nalgonda was all clean and green on Friday and Saturday. Incidentally the bazar came alive for the second time after it was inaugurated by Minister for Marketing T. Harish Rao in October 2017.
The simple reason — the Minister was scheduled to visit the town on Sunday. For two days the bazar was bustling with farmers and traders between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m., something unusual for both the buyers and the farmers.
Built at a cost of ₹ 70 lakh, the well-organised bazar some 20 m from the agriculture market yard has 76 modern stalls with electricity and light, store rooms and toilet facility. The facilities appear neat and clean basically because it is the least preferred destination among the buyers.
Competition
Competing for business is the more prominent market at the town’s Clock Tower centre, which is not only easily approachable but also on-the-road, where sellers and on-the-go vendors in their auto-rickshaws sit in dedicated spots and do brisk business.
Being on the road and at the heart of the town has its own problems. It is the main traffic choke point especially during peak hours, holding up RTC buses, auto rickshaws and school vehicles during morning time.
The location of the new bazar, inside a colony and away from public approach has discouraged many buyers from patronising the spot, farmers said.
“The decision to spend money for the land and building in such a location is mindless,” others say.
Forceful occupation
Marketing officials have repeatedly issued notices to road-side vendors that selling there would invite penal action, but it is reported that a few traders who have the backing of the ruling party leaders have successfully kept the officials from taking any action.
Some 70 farmers have been given identity cards and they are ready to do business at the Rythu Bazar, but they are not keen on shifting, as the traders backed by leaders would continue their business on the town centre.
Thanks to the police and marketing officials, the bazar was mostly full during the weekend. However, “the good thing is to wait and see the next week also, if the bazar runs successfully or not,” says Tirumala Lalen, one of the last four farmers at the Rythu Bazar Saturday evening.
