Indian veg trader strike likely to cause price increases
From today, Monday 11 July, traders at Vashi's APMC market are planning to go on an indefinite stri…From today, Monday 11 July, traders at Vashi's APMC market are planning to go on an indefinite strike to protest's the government's decision to delist vegetables and fruits from wholesale markets, to pave the way for direct marketing between farmers and retailers and even consumers. Their strike is likely to cause fruit and vegetable prices to increase.
While the potato-onion market traders will kick off the stir from today, fruits and vegetable markets will join the strike from Tuesday.
A 24-hour strike at APMC-run markets on July 4 severely hit the supply of vegetables and fruits in the Mumbai metropolitan region. The state-wide strike sent prices spiralling upwards due to shortfall of stock, resulting in retailers making a killing.
"Vegetables went off stores after the July 4 strike. Even supermarkets were running short of stock. Potatoes were being sold at Rs 32 per kg. The situation will be worse if the strike is indefinite this time," said a homemaker, Vinita Patil.
"Retailers and supermarkets will certainly rake in the moolah, taking advantage of the stock in their possession. Government should provide more outlets for direct marketing between farmers and consumers," said Sanjiv Datta, a consumer activist.
However, Shivaji Pahinkar, secretary of Mumbai APMC, said, "During the strike, arrival of vegetables and fruits at the Mumbai market will be less as compared to the regular supply but business will be as usual with farmers selling their produce directly to retailers and consumers."