"We have taken this initiative to bring together organic farmers, organisations selling eco-friendly various products and city consumers to celebrate nature and community," explained Bharat Mansata of Earthcare Books. Farmers from various districts of West Bengal offered a vast range of agricultural produce at competitive prices. "I believe in the concept of sustainability and see no reason why urban people opt for fancy packaged organic produce that is transported across miles, contributing to the cost and carbon footprint," said Aparajita Sengupta of ‘Shyamoli’ while explaining the environmental benefits of buying organic produce from local district farmers than going for branded organic produce. Aparajita, who was recently interviewed on EarthUpdated!TV, has been running an organic farm for some time.

The wide range of products for sale amazed visitors. Serifoon Chitrakar from East Midnapur district made heads turn with various paintings and homemade paints using vegetable extracts and waste matter. While Bikram Mitra of Earth Craft grabbed immediate attention with crafts and daily use articles made out of water hyacinth and coconut shells.

Other than the commercial aspects, organisers took a step forward to spread environmental awareness by having various workshops and eco-film screenings for visitors. Terrace farming workshop by Anshuman Das and pottery workshop by Juin Mayne was a big draw for visitors.

Green for Life Foundation (G4LF) made carry bags out of used household cloth and advocated the ‘No Plastic’ concept. The use of paper and cloth bags for all takeaways made an environmental statement at the haat. The baul songs playing in the background created the perfect atmosphere for the gathered who wanted to feel their connection to Mother Earth while shopping the eco friendly way.

More such haats should be held to reinforce the concept of Organic being accessible, not just an unaffordable luxury.