Fertiliser, seed and pesticide dealers in Abohar observed a one-day strike on Thursday, shutting down their shops to protest against the Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on agricultural inputs and the mandatory e-way bill system. The strike, organised by the Abohar Fertiliser and Seed Dealers Association, affected the supply of essential farm inputs in the region.
Reasons for the Strike
The dealers are demanding the removal of GST on fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, which they claim increases the cost burden on farmers. They also oppose the e-way bill requirement for transporting these goods, arguing that it creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Association president Rajinder Kumar said, "The GST on agri-inputs is unjust as it raises prices for farmers already struggling with low crop yields and rising costs. The e-way bill system further complicates logistics, especially for small dealers."
Impact on Farmers
The one-day strike caused inconvenience to farmers who were unable to purchase necessary inputs for the ongoing sowing season. Many farmers had to postpone their field work. Farmer Gurpreet Singh said, "We depend on these dealers for timely supply of fertilisers and pesticides. This strike has disrupted our plans and could affect crop yield." However, the association assured that the strike was only for a day and normal operations would resume on Friday.
Support from Other Associations
The strike received support from various other trade bodies in the region, including the Abohar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chamber president Rakesh Goyal said, "We stand with the dealers in their demand for a fair tax regime. The government should reconsider its policies on agri-inputs to support the farming community." Similar protests were also reported in neighbouring towns.
Government Response
Local administration officials said they had not received any formal representation from the dealers but were aware of the strike. A district official said, "We will take up the matter with the state government. The concerns of dealers and farmers need to be addressed through dialogue." The dealers have threatened to intensify their agitation if their demands are not met.
The strike highlights the ongoing discontent among agri-input dealers over taxation and regulatory issues. The association plans to submit a memorandum to the chief minister and the finance minister, urging them to intervene and resolve the matter.
