Veggies, milk prices up in Mumbai, Pune as supplies cut off
PUNE: People in Maharashtra had to pay 15% to 20% for fruits and vegetables on Thursday as farmers cut off supplies, especially to towns and cities, in protest against the state government’s refusal to accede to their demands. The farmers were demanding waiver of loans and remunerative prices as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. Milk supply is expected to drop by about 15% on Friday although milk prices remained unaffected on Thursday.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, refusing to accept any of the demands of the farmers, alleged that the opposition parties were trying to intensify the agitation. “Blanket loan waiver will not be possible for any government. The amount of outstanding farmer loan is higher than the state government’s revenue,“ said Fadna vis, while addressing a press conference in Mumbai.
Trade was at a standstill in the agricultural mandis of Nashik district, a major supplier of fresh produce to Mumbai and Gujarat. “Our market was open but not a single vehicle came to the market. This has happened for the first time ever,“ said an official of the Nashik APMC, where daily turnover is around Rs 1.5-3 crore.
Arrivals dropped by half in Pune, taking prices up by 15%. In Mumbai, arrival of fruits decreased by 10% but arrival of vegetables increased. Yet, traders increased vege table prices by 15% to 20%. Milk supply to cities remained normal on Thursday. However, milk collection by dairies from farmers for supplying to urban areas declined by 20%.
Mahanand Dairy, which sells about 3 lakh litre of milk daily, reported zero milk collection from Ahmednagar district on Thursday. The Association of Dairies from south Maharashtra comprising Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur has decided to support agitating farmers.
Source: ECONOMIC TIMES