BELAGAVI
A major crisis has gripped the wholesale vegetable trade in Belagavi after Karnataka authorities cancelled the trading licence of the Jai Kisan Wholesale Vegetable Market, one of the main suppliers of vegetables to Goa.
Traders have, however, assured that supplies to Goa would not be affected, as special arrangements have been made by wholesalers and some farmers.
The very setup of this private market had triggered protests by farmers and activists who had accused the market’s wholesalers of exploiting them by paying meagre rates while selling the produce at hefty margins.
The Jai Kisan Market, set up a few years ago in the aftermath of Covid-19, had initially operated from the premises near Belagavi Fort. However, after the Income Tax department reclaimed that premises, it was shifted to APMC campus near Kangrali village before setting up at the current premises at New Gandhinagar owned by the wholesalers.
Farmers, however, have long opposed the creation of this private market, insisting that the APMC campus is better suited for such trading activity.
Mounting pressure from farmers’ unions and activists led to Karnataka’s Director of Agricultural Marketing cancelling the Jai Kisan licence on September 15.
Following this order, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammed Roshan directed the wholesalers to stop trading within 24 hours, by 6 pm on Tuesday.
Despite the order, business reportedly continued at Jai Kisan through Tuesday morning, sparking tension.
Enraged farmers and activists staged a massive day-long protest at the DC’s office, demanding the immediate sealing of the market.
“Wholesalers are fleecing farmers by buying at throwaway prices and selling to Goa at huge profits. We demand all trading activities be shifted to the APMC market,” said farmer leader Siddagouda Moudagi.
As protests intensified, activities at Jai Kisan Market came to a standstill from Tuesday evening, raising fresh concerns about the fate of vegetable supplies to Goa.
The Jai Kisan Market management has also approached the Karnataka High Court against the licence cancellation, keeping the legal battle alive.
Meanwhile, DC Roshan held a separate meeting with the wholesalers on Tuesday evening to review the situation and explore interim solutions.
The face-off between farmers, wholesalers, and the authorities has brought Belagavi’s crucial vegetable supply chain under sharp focus, especially as Goa heavily relies on this market for its daily needs. For now, all eyes are on the administration’s next move and the court’s response to the market’s petition.
