Agri service centres in parts of M’wada begin indefinite strike

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Owners of agri service centres from several parts of Marathwada began their indefinite strike on Monday to protest against govt policies.United under the banner of Maharashtra Fertilizers, Pesticides and Seeds Dealers Association, center owners claim that the govt policies will ruin the small-scale dealers. The agitation, if extended, will affect the farmers who are preparing for the kharif season.The govt's decision to make SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) portal mandatory for seed sales and the ‘linking' practice imposed by fertilizer companies on dealers — whereby they are allegedly compelled to purchase an unwanted product alongside a specific fertilizer — are some of the policies that are objected by the agri service centres.Besides, they are also demanding strict action against the sale of unauthorized genetically modified seeds, crackdown against agent-based sales and buy back policy involving expired stock. "Until our demands are met, not a single agricultural center will operate. The govt is solely responsible if the farmers suffer any damage," he said.State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne could not be reached for his comments. A senior official from the agriculture department said a section of agri service centres is against the regime of transparency and accountability by opposing the SATHI portal."Several Agri service centres in different parts of the state have faced action this summer for violation of rules. The action is also one of the triggers for the strike called by centres," the official said, requesting anonymity.