Maharashtra caps weight of agri-produce sacks at 50 kg to protect workers

Mumbai: The state govt has capped the weight of sacks carrying agricultural produce at 50 kg to protect workers involved in loading, unloading and transporting them. The decision has been taken keeping in view the safety and health of workers who handle the sacks. In a directive to all Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), the marketing department said sacks of onions, potatoes and other farm produce must not exceed 50 kg. Officials said such bags currently often weigh more than 60 kg, depending on the region, the type of packaging such as jute or mesh, and local market practices.Officials said the move follows International Labour Organisation norms that workers handling goods should not be required to lift more than 50 kg. The Centre had informed the state about implementing this standard, following which the labour commissioner issued a circular in 2000 setting the weight limit. In 2010, the industries, energy and labour departments also instructed Mathadi Boards to enforce it. Labour organisations had repeatedly urged the govt to implement the rule, which had remained largely unaddressed.The decision was taken at a meeting held last week under the chairmanship of state marketing minister Jaykumar Rawal. The meeting was attended by traders' unions, labour department officials, and representatives of the Kirana Bazaar and Shops Board.A govt resolution (GR)said all APMCs must spread awareness among farmers about the 50 kg cap and direct traders to comply with it. It also called for wide publicity across market committees."The agricultural produce market committees, must ensure that agricultural produce is not moved in bags weighing more than 50 kg, including onions and potatoes, and this should be strictly implemented, the GR said. The GR said that the rule must be enforced strictly under official supervisionHowever, the GR said, authorities should ensure that the functioning of APMCs is not affected by the implementation of this circular and continues regularly. The director of marketing should submit a report from time to time regarding the implementation of this circular," the GR addedGet real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.