Organic Haat at Survey Chowk a hit with farmers, consumers

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 16

The Organic Haat at the Survey Chowk here has competed three years.

It was in March in 2014 that the haat was started at the Survey Chowk for those interested in organic produce.

A large number of farmers from Dehradun and its surrounding villages come to the haat with their organic vegetables and cereals, which has also become a source of their livelihood.

City residents come in large numbers to the haat, which is organised every weekend.

Farmers from Doiwala, Kurkawala, Balawala, Thano, Shaspur and Vikasnagar and some from Tehri come to the haat to sell their products which are in great demand among the city residents for their pure organic nature.

Sanjay Dobhal, a farmer from Thano village, on the outskirts of Dehradun, says he is selling his produce at the haat for the past three years. The haat ensures a good price for their produce. “I have over 12 amla and banana trees. Most of my amla and banana fruits were going waste earlier. But now I have a market and can sell my produce at a good rate,” says Dobhal.

Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board official TK Uniyal, who manages the haat, says farmers are coming in a big number, as they get right prices for their produce.

“Similarly a large number of residents of Dehradun also come to the haat, as they get good quality home grown organic vegetables, fruits and cereals from the market,” Uniyal argues.

He says society is well aware of health hazards linked with the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture. People are taking to organic products in a big way, encouraging more farmers to take up organic agriculture.

“In three years, the Organic Haat at the Survey Chowk has become popular and we are hoping to open more such haats in other parts of the city in near future,” he adds.