Azadpur mandi strike evokes mixed response

The strike call given by a section of 2,300 commission agents or 'arthiyas' in Azadpur mandi, Asia's biggest wholesale fruits and vegetable market, evoked a mixed response today.
The strike was called to protest against the circular issued by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Azadpur last month, directing commission agents to comply with the Delhi High Court order the scrapping of 6 per cent commission charged from farmers.
"Only some sections of commission agents dealing with fruits like grapes and kinoo were on strike and their shops remained shut," APMC member Rajendra Sharma told PTI.
Asked if there would be impact on prices, he said, "If strike continues for one more day, there will be some impact. I believe the striking agents will resume work soon."

About 400 agents especially dealing with fruits were on strike today, while 500 agents and 300 small traders dealing with potatoes, onions, garlic and other vegetables were not in favour of the strike, he added.
Sharma, who stepped down as chairman of the APMC last month, said agents in other mandis in Delhi have not gone on strike and the markets were opened today.
In its recent judgement, the Delhi High Court had said that arthiyas would be allowed to charge 6 per cent commission, on the value of the produce, from wholesale buyers and not from the farmers.
Farmers from neighbouring states sell their produce at APMC, Azadpur and other mandis across Delhi.