Farmers’ groups in Belagavi recently staged a powerful protest, advocating for the immediate reopening of the Jai Kisan Private Farm Produce Market. This market, a crucial hub for local farmers, was shut down by the State government following an inquiry that cited 11 violations of agricultural marketing regulations. The initial closure was prompted by complaints from other farmer organizations, including the Krishik Samaj.
However, the tables have turned. The very farmers who rely on this market are now feeling the pinch. Protestors voiced their frustration, explaining that the closure has severely limited their options for selling produce, leading to unfair prices. Their unified message was clear: bring back the market to ensure fair compensation for their hard work.
Adding significant weight to the protest was BJP MLA Abhay Patil, who joined the farmers in their demonstration. Interestingly, Patil admitted to having initially opposed the private market in 2018, arguing for the sufficiency of the existing APMC market. “I wrote a letter to the State government opposing it,” he stated, “but I later changed my mind after witnessing its positive impact on farmers.” He emphasized that traders and farmers had collectively persuaded him, highlighting the benefits of the private market, especially in light of new Union government laws that permit such private entities.
Patil passionately argued for farmer autonomy: “We should offer farmers the freedom to choose where they sell their produce and where they can secure better prices. Why would we close a market that provides this choice?” He further challenged the legality of the closure, asserting that the district administration’s process was flawed. He pointed out that the Belagavi Urban Development Authority had overstepped its bounds by canceling the market’s land conversion order and that the license revocation itself did not follow proper established procedures.
The situation escalated when MLA Patil engaged in a heated exchange with Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao and Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan. Patil accused officials of non-cooperation with the protestors. In response, Deputy Commissioner Roshan maintained that departmental officials had strictly adhered to regulations when revoking the market’s license.
After presenting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner outlining their grievances, the protestors eventually disbanded. Roshan assured them that their concerns would be promptly relayed to the State government for consideration.