Govt will not withdraw amendment to APMC Act: Minister

Gulbarga, Aug 1 (UNI) Reacting sharply to the indefinite bandh by traders in protest against the amendment to the APMC act enabling farmers to sell their produce directly to private companies, Karnataka Agriculture Produce Marketing Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur today ruled out possibility of withdrawing the amendment.

Speaking to UNI, he said, "the Act has been amended to help farmers get a better price for their produce and there is no question of the government going back on its decision." The government had asked the officials to make alternative arrangements to lift perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits to the markets, he added.

Trading activities in Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) yards in the state came to grinding halt following the indefinite bandh called the traders who have opposed the amendment.

UNI