Mumbai: Osmanabad farmers not allowed to sell produce, throw vegetables
Several farmers from Osmanabad were seen throwing crates full of vegetables outside Mantralaya as a mark of protest in Mumbai on Friday. They alleged that civic body officials and local police were not allowing them to sell their produce outside the APMC market in Borivali, a Mumbai suburb, and that they also demanded bribes for it. The state secretariat entrance was cleaned up later.
Watch: Farmers throwing vegetables in front of Mantralaya
'Those from others states can set-up shops, why can't we?'
Cops said crates full of onions, brinjals, green chillies and lemons were emptied by the protesting farmers, while shouting anti-government slogans. The farmers, from the Marathwada district, some 412 kms from Mumbai, said that those from other states are allowed to set up shops in Thakur Complex, but they can't despite belonging to Maharashtra. They were later taken to Marine Drive police station.
'Eight booked, but released later on personal bonds'
"Eight people were booked under Sections 37(A) and 135 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951 (prohibitory arrests carried out to prevent disorder). They were later released on personal bonds," said Senior Inspector Vilas Gangavane. Meanwhile, state officials assured that they will look into the matter.
They claimed they come to Mumbai hoping for good price
The protesters said that they come all the way to Mumbai hoping for a good price. In 2016, the state government amended the APMC act that allowed farmers to sell their produce in open markets without going to APMC markets, thus removing the middlemen hassle. The government also encourages weekly markets and has set up 126 of those in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai.
