Photo : Courtesy
Rural haat bazars have long been vital to Bangladesh's agricultural economy, connecting farmers with consumers. Yet, these markets lack the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of modern agriculture. Mohammad Moziball Hoque, Head of Supply Chain and Private Sector Engagement at Solidaridad Network Asia, recently discussed with The Daily Messenger how upgrading these markets could benefit rural communities and improve pricing for farmers.
Hoque explained that without adequate facilities for sorting, grading, packaging, and storage, significant post-harvest losses occur, which inflate prices. He emphasized that modernization is crucial for fair pricing, as improved infrastructure like cold storage would reduce farmers' urgency to sell quickly due to spoilage, allowing them to secure better prices.
On the impact of cold storage specifically, Hoque noted that such facilities extend the shelf life of perishable goods, giving farmers flexibility in timing their sales. By allowing them to wait for favorable market conditions, cold storage not only raises their earnings but also cuts down on food waste, creating a more sustainable market environment.
Hoque also highlighted the role of real-time information access. He argued that when farmers have access to updated market rates and demand trends, they make informed decisions, strengthening their bargaining power. Implementing digital platforms or local information networks, he suggested, would help farmers time and place their sales effectively, promoting competition among buyers and ensuring more consistent income.
Discussing packaging and handling, Hoque said that good packaging preserves product quality, which affects the price. He observed that well-handled produce generally commands a higher price than poorly packed items, as quality and appearance significantly influence buyers' preferences. Better handling also reduces damage during transport, ensuring high-quality products reach the market.
Improving transportation within haat bazars, Hoque argued, is another vital factor in price fairness. High-quality, well-preserved produce attracts better prices, as buyers are willing to pay more for fresh and visually appealing items. Standardized packaging, he added, makes products more marketable to wholesalers and retailers, expanding farmers' reach to larger markets.
He also acknowledged that environmental and safety standards in haat bazars also impact pricing. He stated that standards like sanitation, clean water, waste management, and regulated pesticide use increase consumer confidence and demand, resulting in higher prices. Meeting such standards, he added, attracts larger buyers like restaurants and retailers, who demand quality assurance, further benefiting farmers.
On the importance of private sector partnerships, Hoque stressed that these collaborations bring investment and expertise for cold storage, digital platforms, and logistics. Private sector involvement, he noted, promotes efficiency along the value chain, minimizing losses and improving market access for farmers, thus ensuring fairer prices. By fostering innovation, these partnerships support long-term growth for rural economies.
However, Moziball Hoque pointed out that several challenges remain. He identified funding as a primary obstacle, as modernization requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and training. He noted that aligning diverse stakeholders—local governments, private partners, farmer groups, and communities—can be complex due to differing priorities. Additionally, limited technical expertise and digital literacy among farmers may hinder the adoption of new systems. He emphasized that a collaborative approach is essential, with stakeholders committing to long-term support, including training, funding mechanisms, and policy incentives.
He advised that policymakers should prioritize farmers’ needs in modernization initiatives. Infrastructure improvements like cold storage and transport facilities should be affordable and strategically placed, making them accessible to farmers. He recommended increasing real-time market information access through digital platforms and local hubs. Transparency in market practices, he argued, could further support farmers by introducing clear pricing standards, fair trade regulations, and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. Involving farmers in policy design, Hoque suggested, would ensure that modernization efforts are impactful and relevant at the grassroots level.
In his vision for rural haat bazars, Hoque shared hopes for transforming these markets into hubs where farmers can achieve fair prices while minimizing spoilage and exploitation risks. By modernizing haat bazars, he said, Bangladesh could create dynamic centres that drive rural economic growth and improve livelihoods for local communities. This transformation, he concluded, would strengthen supply chain efficiency, giving farmers better access to information, resources, and financial services. Ultimately, he believes these revitalized markets could play a crucial role in national food security by ensuring a stable and diverse food supply for all.
Messenger/Sajib
