Even in this age of digitalisation and online shopping, you may think itis untrue, but this ancient practice is still extant in Telkoi area of Keonjhar district.
What is a barter system?
A barter system is an old method of exchange. This system has been used for centuries and long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return.
According to OrissaPost report, Ramesh Samal a resident of Chhendipada village in Angul district. The smalltime businessman comes to Telkoi areas in Keonjhar district every day carrying vegetables and grocery items starting from mustard oil to soap to spices in a pick-up-van.
He sells these items to people and, instead of cash, accept paddy. “In rural areas, people seldom have liquid cash with them. These people have paddy but don’t have money to buy daily use articles. So I am coming to them with a solution. They buy their required articles in exchange for paddy,” he said.
When asked why he chooses Telkoi area in Keonjhar district and why not his own district, Ramesh said, “Telkoi is known for paddy cultivation. Most of the villagers are farmers. They have paddy but don’t have liquid cash to buy goods when they require them. So I want to offer them a service at their door step and, this why, I am earning something to run my family.”
Local people observe that they are happy with this barter system. We buy utensils, grocery items and clothes in exchange of paddy. And for this, we don’t have to go to any markets or shops. We are getting everything at our door step.
“Even if we take our paddy to mills, there is no guarantee that we will get money at iteams when we need it most. So the barter system is more suitable to us,” they observed.
