A strike called by traders and workers of Azadpur Mandi on Monday triggered concerns over supply of fruits and vegetables in the city over the week. Officials estimate that the agitation led to a 50% dip in business in one of the Capital’s largest wholesale market.
Some traders said that the protest was mainly a showdown between warring faction of tomato traders over the government’s decision to reallocate tomato sheds, also called Phars.
Some old demands
Protesters led by Anil Malhotra said the government’s decision was taken after a “few palms were greased”.
They have demanded the removal of a few officials responsible for the management of the wholesale market.
Mr. Malhotra said that up to 95% trade was affected on Monday. He added that if the government rejected their demands, the city could face a shortage.
The traders also reiterated old demands such as the agents be allowed to collect 6% commission charged from farmers, something that was scrapped following a High Court order three years ago.
They also questioned why the Delhi government opted for online payments and did not allow cheque payments. The issue of deteriorating law and order situation in the area was also brought up.
‘Personal reasons’
The section of traders opposed to Mr. Malhotra accused him of calling the strike as he wanted to be the one in-charge of allotting Parhs and wanted to control the entire tomato trade for his Tomato Traders Association (TTA).
“The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) has a criteria that those who run businesses worth over ₹5 lakh or more be allotted a Parh. The TTA does not want to meet this criteria and wants the allotment power with them,” said Devendra Thakur.
Mr. Malhotra refuted the charges and said that he stood for the interest of all businessmen, and threatened to intensify the stir in the coming days.
The Deputy Secretary of the market, S. K Gupta, admitted that fewer trucks arrived in the market on Monday and that business was hit by up to 50%.
He added that sales had been exceptionally high on Sunday and that there should be enough stock further up the supply chain.
