Rajkot: Office-bearers of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) in 12 districts of Saurashtra region today decided to meet Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to discuss the problems being faced by farmers due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

APMCs operate mandis or marketing yards where farmers sell their produce. There are 65 such committees in Saurashtra whose representatives held a meeting here to discuss difficulties being faced by farmers post-demonetisation.

“Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Secretaries of 65 marketing yards from 12 districts of Saurashtra, met at Rajkot marketing yard,” Hardevsinh Jadeja, Vice-Chairman of Rajkot yard, said.

“They discussed the problems being faced by farmers due to demonetisation of high value notes. As the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes have become invalid, farmers are facing huge problems as selling and buying at marketing yards have virtually come to a standstill,” he said.

“Some marketing yards even expressed their desire to close transactions for indefinite period, but others opposed such a move, saying it will only add to the problems of farmers. Thus, no consensus was reached to shutdown yards,” he said.

D K Sakhiya, Chairman of Rajkot marketing yard, said a 16-member committee has been formed to present the issue before Rupani.

“The committee members will meet the Chief Minister very soon and seek his intervention in increasing cash withdrawals by farmers. Removal of cap on withdrawals for farmers is the only amicable solution to stop yards from closing down,” he said.

Cash crunch has made it difficult for agriculturists to sell their commodities like groundnut, cotton, vegetables and fruits in these yards.

PTI