At a time, when kharif crop arrivals gain momentum, traders and commission agents at the most of the marketyards in the Saurashtra region observed a strike on Thursday and Friday.

The Saurashtra APMC Commission Agents Association (SACAA), which has called the strike demanding implementation of price deficiency payment (PDP) scheme or Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna for the current crop, has convened a meeting on Saturday to chalk out a further strategy.

“All kinds of transactions, including delivery, arrivals and trading have been suspended at 24 marketyards in all the districts of Saurashtra region. We are getting support from the farmers too because our demand stands valid,” said Atul Kamani, president of SACAA. However, goods already brought to the yards were allowed to be transacted.

The Centre’s PM AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan) scheme is on the lines of the Bhavantar Bhutan Yojana being implemented by Madhya Pradesh. At present the AASHA Umbrella scheme is applicable for oilseeds, benefiting groundnut growers in Gujarat. This is the reason traders want AASHA to be implemented immediately in place of the MSP procurement by the State government.

Kamani stated, “We have made representations to the State government to implement AASHA Umbrella scheme for the current season. But they announced MSP procurement under price support scheme. Therefore, we decided to go on indefinite strike from November 1.” A letter was written to the State government in this regard but the same has not elicited any response so far.

Kamani stated that AASHA will be a win-win for all as it will reduce the financial burden of the State government, while farmers will get immediate money for their crop and traders will have hassle-free supply. As per the AASHA scheme the differential amount will have to be borne by the State.

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