APMC Minister Proposes Supplementary Wholesale Vegetable Market in Belagavi
Amid escalating tensions between traders operating in the government-run APMC wholesale vegetable market and the recently closed Jai Kisan Private Wholesale Vegetable Market, APMC Minister Shivanand Patil has put forward a significant proposal. On Sunday, during a visit to Belagavi, the minister suggested the establishment of a supplementary wholesale vegetable market within the city under the APMC framework.
Minister's Visit Highlights Trader Conflict
Minister Patil's visit to the APMC yard was marked by a heated verbal confrontation between traders from both markets. The Jai Kisan market traders presented their grievances, alleging serious irregularities in the APMC's shop allocation process. They claimed that several individuals who secured shops through tender were not genuine traders but investors who leased out multiple shops at exorbitant rents, effectively displacing long-standing traders.
"There is no provision in the existing law to allow private markets to function," Minister Patil clarified to the media. "However, if required, an additional market yard can be established under the APMC." He emphasized that efforts are underway to resolve the controversy amicably, with farmers' interests remaining a top priority.
Roots of the Dispute
The conflict stems from fundamental differences in market operations. Traders from the Jai Kisan market argued that their establishment gained popularity among farmers due to superior services, resulting in higher farmer turnout compared to the government APMC market. They further explained that most Jai Kisan traders did not own shops in the APMC yard, and with no vacancies available, original traders were struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
The closure of the private market has reportedly left farmers dissatisfied and disrupted the established marketing system. Jai Kisan traders urged the minister to intervene, demanding a practical solution that would accommodate all traders, particularly those with years of experience in the business.
Government's Response and Proposed Solution
In response to these concerns, Minister Patil assured traders that the matter would be addressed through consultations with local MLAs and the district minister. He reiterated the government's willingness to consider establishing an additional market yard under the APMC framework to ensure neither traders nor farmers face adverse effects from the ongoing dispute.
The minister's proposal represents a potential compromise that could address the core issues while maintaining regulatory oversight. By creating a supplementary market under APMC jurisdiction, the government aims to provide more opportunities for traders while ensuring proper governance and farmer protection.
This development comes at a critical time for Belagavi's agricultural marketing system, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting concrete steps toward resolution. The minister's commitment to finding an amicable solution suggests that significant changes may be forthcoming in how wholesale vegetable markets operate in the region.
