Disruption in vegetable supply

The extended Maratha Reservation Morcha in Vashi's APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) has adversely affected both traders and farmers, leading to a decrease in the supply of vegetables to Mumbai and its suburbs. The prolonged stay in the market resulted in a 15 to 20 percent reduction in the arrival of farm goods, with 10 percent of the produce being damaged, amplifying the impact on the agricultural community.

Following Manoj Jarange Patil’s announcement of a temporary suspension of the agitation until the receipt of an ordinance from the state government, all vehicles bound for Azad Maidan converged on the APMC market for parking in the evening. The unexpected influx prompted the government to extend the market closure to Saturday. Concerns about potential vegetable shortages in Mumbai led to a late-night circular authorizing agricultural goods trains to proceed directly from the state to Mumbai.

This decision, however, raised the challenge of redirecting a significant number of vehicles to Mumbai, given the ongoing protest by Mathadi workers responsible for unloading farm goods in the city. Approximately 450 trucks of farm produce had to be redirected out of the vegetable market in the evening, informed Shankar Pingle, director of the vegetable market.

In response, traders set up makeshift markets outside the APMC, conducting their business from 10.00 pm until the evening of the following day. The influx of trucks caused substantial traffic congestion in the APMC vegetable and fruit market area. Trucks arriving late at night remained unattended until the afternoon, resulting in significant losses for farmers and traders, as perishable produce worth lakhs of rupees had to be discarded.

The gradual resumption of activity in the afternoon saw traders accepting trucks loaded with fruits, onions, potatoes, and vegetables, attempting to salvage some of the remaining goods. The unprecedented disruption highlights the intricate challenges faced by the agricultural sector and traders when civic movements impact routine operations, emphasizing the need for coordinated solutions to mitigate such disruptions in the future.