Nagpur: The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Kamptee will remain closed on Wednesday as part of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee’s (MPCC) ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chor’ agitation. The shutdown is expected to hit farmers and vendors directly, depriving them of their daily income from the sale of fresh vegetables and produce.
APMCs are meant to safeguard farmers’ interests by ensuring transparent trading, fair prices, and timely payments. However, the political programme has converted the Kamptee mandi into a protest venue, disrupting the regular flow of agricultural trade.
A farmer from Ramtek, who had planned to bring cauliflower to the market, said he was told not to transport his produce. He explained that crops such as tomatoes, chilies, and brinjals are usually plucked in the morning and brought fresh to the APMC. However, he was advised by a local broker not to bring his harvest on Wednesday as the market would remain closed due to the agitation.
Another vegetable vendor from Kamptee shared that he had stocked up in advance to minimise losses. He pointed out that being aware of the protest allowed him to prepare, but many others were unable to take such precautions and would now face financial strain.
The MPCC has chosen Kamptee in Nagpur district as the starting point of its state-wide campaign, which it says aims to highlight electoral malpractice and defend democratic values. Ironically, while the agitation seeks to raise political issues, it has left farmers and vendors—who depend on daily sales for their survival—struggling with uncertainty and loss of income.
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