Karnataka Upalokayukta flags alleged weighing fraud, irregularities at Belagavi APMC
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Belagavi, Oct 29: Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice Ashok Hinchigeri has flagged alleged irregularities in weighing practices, excessive commissions charged by middlemen and the failure of wholesale vegetable traders to issue sale receipts at the Belagavi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), raising concerns over transparency and farmers' interests.
During his visit to the APMC on Thursday, Justice Hinchigeri inspected the weighing machines used by vegetable traders and noticed alleged discrepancies in weighing practices. He also expressed concern over middlemen charging excessive commissions and wholesale traders failing to issue receipts for transactions.
The Upalokayukta directed market officials to provide necessary facilities to farmers and ensure transparency in market operations to enable growers to receive fair prices for their produce.
The findings assume significance amid growing concerns over farmers' returns and accountability in agricultural markets across Belagavi district. Sugarcane growers in the region are also protesting, demanding better prices and transparency in the sugar industry.
The sugarcane farmers have been seeking clarity in the calculation of sugar recovery rates, an end to deductions towards transportation costs, higher procurement prices and a revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar. They had set a 3 pm deadline on Thursday for the state and Union governments to respond to their demands.
The alleged irregularities at the vegetable market have once again brought the functioning of market authorities and intermediaries under scrutiny. The failure to issue sale receipts raises questions about transaction records and accountability, while discrepancies in weighing could directly affect the quantity of produce for which farmers are paid.
Justice Hinchigeri's intervention highlights the need for stricter supervision of agricultural markets and effective safeguards to protect farmers from unfair trade practices. The findings are expected to intensify scrutiny of the Belagavi APMC's functioning and the steps taken by officials to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.
