APMC agitation withdrawn

Bangalore, Jan 26 (UNI) The three-day old Statewide indefinite bandh by members of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) has been withdrawn temporarily following an invitation by the State government for talks.

Trading activities had come to grinding halt since January 23 following the bandh call given in protest against proposed amendment to the APMC Act which allows entry of multinational companies into agriculture trading.

Bangalore Wholesale Food Grains and Pulses Traders Association Secretary Shah, speaking to newsmen here today, said that the strike was withdrawn following APMC Minister S Darshanapur invitation for talks on February One. Representatives of trading associations and also leaders of farming community would participate in the talks and convey stiff opposition to the proposed amendment, he added.

Terming the proposed amendment to the act as against the interests of the farmers, traders and also consumers in the State, Mr Shah said that it would lead to creation of unemployment and opening the door for exploitation of the entire farming community.

UNI