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Reportedly upset over sudden fall in the prices of chilli varieties in the wake of huge arrivals.
A mob comprising mainly of farmers resorted to violence at APMC yard in Byadgi of Haveri district on Monday evening ransacking and burning down the APMC office and torching few vehicles including a fire engine that was deployed to extinguish the fire.
According to the local traders, the trouble started after the e-tender process was completed and the prices of various chilli lots were announced.
Even as some farmers were busy getting their chill lots weighed, a section of the farmers marched to the APMC office alleging that prices had been brought down deliberately.
Agricultural Produce Market Committee
The APMC is a marketing board established by state governments in India to ensure farmers are safeguarded from exploitation by large retailers.
Also ensures the farm to retail price spread does not reach excessively high levels.
APMCs are regulated by states through their adoption of an Agriculture Produce Marketing Regulation (APMR) Act.
Here are some of the functions of APMCs:
Regulate the buying and selling of agricultural produce.
Provide infrastructure facilities for the marketing of agricultural produce.
Settle disputes between buyers and sellers.
Collect market fees
The APMC system has been criticized for being inefficient and for creating monopolies.
However, it also plays an important role in providing a platform for farmers to sell their produce and in ensuring that consumers have access to a reliable supply of food.
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