Belagavi: After remaining shut for three and a half years, the vegetable market yard of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) reopened on Wednesday, drawing a large number of farmers. The market was closed following the establishment of the private Jai Kisan wholesale vegetable market on the outskirts of the city. However, authorities recently cancelled Jai Kisan’s licence for violating norms, while the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (Buda) revoked its land-use permission two weeks ago. Despite this, trading continued at the private market, sparking strong opposition.On Monday, hundreds of farmers, led by farmer leader Sidagouda Modagi and activists Rajkumar Topannavar and Sujit Mulgund, staged a massive protest at the deputy commissioner’s office. In response, DC Mohammad Roshan formed a committee comprising the assistant commissioner, tahsildar, deputy director of agriculture, and APMC secretary to oversee the closure of the illegal market.Following these developments, trading resumed at the APMC yard. Officials reported that around 100 shops were already occupied by traders in the past week, while 150 remained vacant. Basic facilities, including drinking water and toilets, were provided for farmers and traders.Calling the reopening a hard-won success, Sidagouda Modagi, president of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj (United), said, “This is a victory for farmers. We have been fighting for this day for the past four years, both on the streets and in court. Finally, justice was delivered, thanks to the govt’s decision.”
