India: 'Don’t free fruits, vegetables from APMC ambit'
The farmers said the State government is right in organising ‘Raitha Angala’ (Farmers’ ground) events, instead of following the Union government’s directive, as they serve as an opportunity to sell their produce directly to customers at retail prices. The APMCs will only collect user fee for the facility, they added.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha working president K T Gangadhar said the Union government is planning to amend the APMC Act and this is not favourable to small-time producers and sellers.
“The produces, their weight and prices are all guaranteed at APMCs and secretaries appointed take responsibility. Delinking some vegetables and fruits from APMCs may have a negative impact on the market,” Gangadhar said.
Agreeing with Gangadhar, Organic Farming expert from Kolar K R Hullanachegowda said the State government is right in not delinking as it may result in loss to farmers. “The farmers bring their produces from different places and give them to APMC for a price. Middlemen will come in if intervention happens in this process. The farmers may gain little by selling their produce outside, but they can also be dumped,” he said.
Gangadhar said the idea of delinking some vegetables and fruits from APMCs will only benefit big sellers and ‘malls’.”From the beginning, APMCs have focused on production and the need for better marketing approach was never felt. Instead of amending the APMC act to delink farmers’ produces, the Central government should look at strengthening the Act which will benefit both big, small and marginal farmers,” he added.
Source: newindianexpress.com
