Exploring the Problems of the Rural Weekly Markets: A Study of Garo Hills Districts of Meghalaya

Abstract

Weekly markets in India play a crucial role in the survival and livelihood of rural Indian which accounts for more than two third of India’s population. The existence of rural markets in Meghalaya especially weekly markets can be traced back to decades. These markets are the only source of livelihood for many villages that don’t have access to the normal markets. These markets provide the platform for earnings for thousands of farmers as well as source for availing all basic commodities for survival for thousand houses in the villages of Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The rural weekly market is the main economic institution through which the village economy percolates. But it is observed that these rural weekly markets in Garo Hills have been facing several problems due to number of factors that hinders the smooth transactions in the markets and its growth. This paper is an attempt to identify some of the problems in the weekly market that seller and buyers are facing. Though the personal visits and interviews with the sellers and buyers, it was found that the weekly markets in various places lack even basic infrastructural facilities to run the market. The factors include lack of compound wall, market shed, fencing, toilet, medical facilities, security arrangements, dustbins, grading system, control mechanism etc. During the interview it was expressed that the authority of the markets need to develop the basic amenities of the market for smooth transactions that will lead to the ultimate growth of village economy of Garo Hills of Meghalaya.