Realising that marketing has a crucial role in development of rural non-farm sector and rural haats are an integral part of a rural market system, it was felt that strengthening of these haats will have a positive impact on marketing of rural non-farm products. NABARD had, therefore, decided to support two Rural Haats to Gram Panchayats (GP) or PACS in each DRIP district and one Rural Haat in GP/PACS in DDM districts for development of infrastructural facilities in the existing/ new haats by providing grant assistance. The scheme introduced in 1999 for DRIP and DDM districts and from 14 December 2005 onwards, it has been extended to all districts with inclusion of other agencies like Village Development Board (VDBs), NGOs, SHG, Federations, Village Bazar Board (VBBs) having land in their own name or leased out to them, for not less than the number of years as specified by NABARD for the purpose of setting up Rural Haats, are eligible as implementing agency.

The minimum infrastructural facilities are in the form of raised platforms with semi- permanent roofing, sanitation arrangements, provision of drinking water, compound wall/barbed wire fencing, parking etc.

Financial Parameters:
As on September 2011, 331 Rural Haats in 22 States with grant assistance of
.1461.90 lakh have been sanctioned.