Wokha, July 31 (MExN): The Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCC&I) has submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha seeking an immediate review of the functioning of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Wokha, alleging that its present operations are adversely affecting local entrepreneurs, businesses and the district's economy.
In the representation, the chamber said it appreciated the government's vision in establishing the APMC to promote locally produced agricultural commodities, encourage organic farming, provide market access to farmers and strengthen the rural economy by ensuring fair opportunities for local producers.
However, it contended that the committee's present functioning "no longer reflects the objectives for which it was originally established" and has instead created growing concern among the local business community.
According to the WDCC&I, the APMC was initially intended to serve as a dedicated market for locally produced agricultural commodities. During its early years, the Saturday Market accommodated a limited number of traders from Assam, a move that helped facilitate interstate trade and improve market accessibility without undermining the market's primary purpose.
The chamber, however, alleged that the scope of activities has expanded considerably over time.
"At present, a substantial proportion of stalls are occupied by traders from outside the state dealing in products such as hardware, household goods and other commercial items rather than agricultural produce," the representation stated.
It maintained that the market has increasingly evolved into "a general commercial marketplace" instead of functioning as a dedicated agricultural produce market, adversely affecting local entrepreneurs and the district's business environment.
The WDCC&I urged the district administration to immediately review the functioning of the APMC and take necessary corrective measures to restore its original mandate, arguing that such intervention is essential to safeguard the interests of local businesses while ensuring that the market continues to serve farmers and agricultural producers as originally intended.
