The agitation against Jai Kisan Private Wholesale Vegetable Market at Gandhinagar in Belagavi city has intensified for the last four days.
Shopkeepers in the APMC vegetable market have started agitation against the private vegetable market in Gandhinagar. The traders at APMC have decided to continue their agitation till the license of that private vegetable market is revoked.
Members of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj and Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha are on a dharna in front of the APMC Yard in Belagavi for the last four days.
Krishik Samaj president Siddagouda Modagi, has commenced the hunger strike and said the strike will continue till the government cancels the permit given to the private market.
The officials have turned a blind eye to the day and night agitation, Modagi said.
Anyone can open a wholesale farm produce market under the new set of laws. But they have to follow all rules and regulations. But the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market has flouted several rules, including revenue and APMC rules. It is causing huge losses to the APMC as it is diverting trade and draining its resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Modagi said that day and night agitation has been going on in front of APMC for the last four days. However, the officials concerned with the district administration are not keen to look into this.
Farmers leaders who are opposing the setting up of a private farm produce market in Belagavi have said there is a need for a cooperative farmers market instead.
Satish Jarkiholi has sought suggestions from farmers about establishing another market that provides remunerative prices to farmers. He has planned to set up a market on 12 acres of land, near the APMC Yard. This is to protect several farmers and traders who are his followers.