The Namchi Municipal Council (NMC), led by Chairman Ganesh Rai and Vice-Chairperson Sabitri Tamang, visited the Sunday Organic Haat at Kisan Market along with other councillors.

The visit aimed to facilitate the relocation of organic product sellers from the roadside to the top floor of Kisan Market, ensuring a more organized selling environment.

Chairman Ganesh Rai stated that councillors were present at the venue from as early as 4AM, engaging with sellers to encourage them to move their stalls to the upper floor.

“We will visit Kisan Market every week until this system becomes firmly established,” he assured.

While the relocation seeks to provide a systematic selling space, challenges remain. The upper floor of Kisan Market, though spacious, is exposed to the elements.

During monsoons, rainwater accumulates, causing inconvenience. Chairman Ganesh Rai mentioned that the NMC plans to address this issue by constructing covers for these open areas in the near future.

Currently, farmers are exempt from toll taxes. However, with improved facilities and proper maintenance of the market space, NMC may introduce a minimal garbage fee in the future.

For years, farmers have sold their organic products along the roadside near Kisan Market and in front of SBS Namchi.

This led to competition with traders selling vegetables at higher prices, despite both groups paying toll taxes.

By relocating, the farmers are expected to gain a dedicated platform to sell their produce without direct competition.

Supporting these farmers by providing them with a permanent, weather-protected space may help preserve Sikkim’s organic legacy while uplifting the livelihoods of its local farming community.