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A Sunday market that's showing organic growth in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Sunder Nursery is gradually becoming a favourite haunt of Delhiites on Sundays , thanks to an ‘organic and lifestyle’ market . Curated by Earth Collective, it’s held from 9am to 2pm every Sunday.


Farmers from all over the country come here to sell wares that range from organic cooking oils to diabetic-friendly snacks.

Up to 50 stalls have been set up that also include several that have delectables for sale. Among them is a counter by women by Nizamuddin Basti where they sell biryani, haleem, kebabs, etc. Stationery items made by the women are also on sale.

A type of hand-pounded rice has been a recent favourite. “I come from a village in the deep interiors of Chhattisgarh. When I came to the market for the first time last month, I spoke to people about how hand-pounded rice is the healthiest option available. I sold 65 packets last time, and most of my customers want more,” Vikas Gupta told TOI from his village.

Farm fresh produce sell fast. Organic seeds like methi, fennel, whole mustard, barley, wheat dalia, etc, sell very well too. Visitors say the market caters to all requirements.

“This is a unique lifestyle market which we have worked consciously to make as nature-friendly as possible. Other markets are usually single-farmer oriented. We insist on eco-friendly crockery or cutlery and are extremely conscious about zero wastage and reducing carbon footprint. Body care, home care, pottery, farm produce, etc, are available here,” said Meenu Nageshwaran of Earth Collective. A smaller market used to function at Asian Games Village, but it has moved to Sunder Nursery since February.

A huge chunk of the visitors is expatriates who learned about the nursery and the farmers’ market by visiting the neighbouring Humayun’s Tomb. “We live in Nizamuddin West and have been to Humayun’s Tomb a few times. When we were told about the farmers’ market, we thought we should come with the children for picnic and see the market too,” said Jill Wheately from UK who was at the park with her twin boys.

There were many others too, who came for picnic. Children enjoy the swings and the adults go to see the monuments. “There is no place like this in the city. It’s like a weekend getaway in the heart of Delhi. There are many places to go to: the many monuments, the micro-habitat zone, the market, walking trails, etc,” said Anjana Khanna, a Green Park resident and a regular visitor.

Many bureaucrats are also known to be regulars here, as are authors Mark Tully and William Dalrymple.

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