Farmers meet arhtiyas, demand smooth procurement of produce

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 21

Vegetable growers from the district today met arhtiyas at Vallah sabzi mandi over the issues being faced by farmers in selling their produce. They stated that farmers were being charged fee for their vehicles at the entry point which is against the rules.

Vegetable Growers’ Association president Lakhbir Singh Nizampura said: “The biggest issue faced by farmers these days is regarding the purchase procedure of ladyfinger crop.” He said the commission agents do not disclose the purchase price until the produce has already been loaded on trucks. “After the trucks are loaded, the farmers are offered very low prices but are left with no other option to accept it. We have asked the arhtiyas to ensure that the purchase price is disclosed at the time of weighing the produce, after unloading it from farmer’s vehicle,” he said.

Another farmer leader Karnail Singh said encroachments inside the market were also a major issue as farmers often get stuck in traffic jams. “If the traffic flow is normal, one can easily get free in an hour but due to traffic, we have to spend hours, which results in loss of working hours at farms.”

The farmers also asked the arhtiyas to ensure cleanliness at the market in view of public safety. “The produce from the market reaches masses and if it gets contaminated, this can be a cause of big trouble for many,” said Nirmal Singh.

The farmer leaders stated that a national convention would be held at Singhu border on August 26 and 27 in which farmers, workers and trade union leaders from across the nation would participate.