Traders protest raids, threaten cancellation of import orders

In Maharashtra, over 200 shops were closed in Pune alone

Protesting the government’s move to raid stockists, hundreds of traders and processors have closed their shops indefinitely in major producing states, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, around 200 shops were closed in Pune alone. The market yard in Pune was also shut down on Tuesday amid fears of raids. Traders declared closure in Marathwada, Latur and other parts of the state, too.

In panic selling by traders, chana prices declined by up to two per cent in futures trades in early trade, but recovered later to trade with a marginal decline of 0.33 per cent to Rs 5,075 a quintal for delivery in November on the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange.

“Protests were seen in Pune and other parts of the state against the raids. But, raids will continue. In fact, results have started showing with seizures of huge quantities of pulses,” said Deepak Kapoor, secretary, food, civil supplies and consumer protection department, government of Maharashtra. Raids started late in the evening on Monday in and around Mumbai.

Protests were also seen in Madhya Pradesh where around 25 processors (dal mills) declared closures. Hundreds of dal mill owners gheraoed BJP president Amit Shah in Indore on Tuesday.

“We have not called for a strike, but because of the government’s actions we will stop running mills at least for three months until the situation returns to normal. We will not procure fresh pulses for the current season,” said Motiram Wadhwani, president, MP Pulses Traders Association.

Meanwhile, importers met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking relaxation. Importers have threatened to cancel pulses import contracts. In case import orders get cancelled, supply would further squeeze, resulting in a higher price rise in the coming months, according to Himat Chandra, partner, Trimurthi International.