Maharashtra: Supply of agricultural produce not to be disturbed during Diwali

Under the directive of Maharashtra government, the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) of Maharashtra will remain open during Diwali festival, invalidating reports that claimed APMCs of Nashik may close for a period of seven to nine days during the festival.

Earlier reports of their closure during Diwali prompted the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India to take up the issue with state government, in order to ensure the supply of essential commodities are maintained in consumer interest.

In this context, Government of Maharashtra informed that it has issued strict directions to all APMCs in the state to carry out the sale and purchase business of agricultural produce without any interruption.

The State Government has issued directions under the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 that business of sale-purchase of all agricultural produce in Agricultural Produce Market Committees in the State may remain closed, if necessary, during the holidays between October 19 and October 22.

Barring the period between October 19 and October 22, if the APMCs remain closed on any day, the Director Board of concerned APMC shall be held responsible and any market functionary responsible for closure of business, and violation of said directions shall be dealt with under the relevant provisions in the Act.