In a determined attempt to streamline the functioning of Tirupur South Uzhavar Sandhai (farmers’ market), the authorities have started sending communication to nearly 4,800 farmers using the facility asking them to register their names afresh.
The move was warranted to improve the functioning of the Uhavar Sandhai as there were allegations of even wholesale dealers/traders, instead of the actual farmers, using the facility to sell the agricultural produces against the rules.
It should be noted that the Madras High Court in 2016, on a petition filed by activist N. Shamugasundaram of Nallur Consumer Welfare Association, had directed the district administration to ensure that wholesale dealers do not enter the premises and thwart the actual objective of Uzhavar Sandhai.
Despite the court directions during August last, the situation did not improve much to the dissatisfaction of the farmers, forcing the various agriculture-related departments to now go for regulating the membership and access.
Mr. Shanmugasundaram is even planning to file a contempt petition if the situations did not change.
When contacted to know the objectives of fresh registration as a tool to control the access, Joint Director of Agriculture S. Renganathan said that presently, 4,800-odd people had obtained identity cards to sell the farm produces, which is high for any Uzhavar Sandhai in the State.
“Among them, we found that more than 1,000 farmers from Coimbatore and Erode districts are still using the Tirupur South Uzhavar Sandhai which will not be allowed from now. Only farmers from Tirupur will be allowed to sell their produces when registrations are carried out all over again,” he said.
Apart from that, the new set of identity cards will be issued only after carefully scrutinising the genuineness of the activities of the farmers who apply for the same.
“Preferences will be given to those who will be using the Uzhavar Sandhai for selling their farm produces on a regular basis,” said agriculture officials.
