CCI studying agri mrkt to check for any unfair trade practice

The CCI has the mandate to keep a tab on anti-competitive practices at the market place

Fair trade regulator CCI is closely studying various aspects of the country's agricultural market, amid rising prices of vegetables.

 

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has the mandate to keep a tab on anti-competitive practices at the market place.

 

According to a source, the regulator was closely looking at the agriculture market and is discussing the issues with various stakeholders.

 

Recently, CCI also held deliberations with the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Chairman Ashok Gulati to have a better understanding of the market.

 

CCI is studying the agriculture market to check whether there are any unfair trade practices and similar things. "Right now, we are only looking at various aspects," the source said.

 

In the recent past, prices of vegetables have increased even though the country has witnessed good rainfall.

 

Last year, a study instituted by CCI had found that there were clear imperfections including cartelisation and hoarding that impacts price of onions.

 

Bangalore-based Institute for Social and Economic Change had conducted that study.

 

"Results of seasonal indices, correlations, daily, monthly arrivals their prices etc. Indicated existence of anti-competitive elements in the onion markets.

 

"A few big traders having well connected networks with market intermediaries in other markets seem to play a major role in hoarding for expected high prices," the study had said.