Pune: Maharashtra Traders Warn Of Statewide Stir Against APMC User Charges After June 13
Pune: Maharashtra Traders Warn Of Statewide Stir Against APMC User Charges After June 13
Pune, June 1, 2026: Traders’ associations across Maharashtra have warned to launch a statewide agitation after June 13 if the state government does not withdraw the user charges imposed on transactions in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).
The warning came at a state-level convention of traders held at the Poona Merchants Chamber in Pune on Sunday. The convention was organized by the Maharashtra State Traders’ Action Committee in association with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM), Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT), Jain Rice and Oil Seeds Merchants Association and the Poona Merchants Chamber.
Representatives at the meeting opposed the levy of a user charge of Re 1 for every Rs 100 transaction involving irregular agricultural produce, non-agricultural commodities and allied goods entering APMC markets. The charge has been applicable since February 28, 2022.
Traders argued that the levy would increase the cost of doing business and eventually push up prices for consumers. They urged the state government to immediately repeal the provision and initiate consultations with stakeholders before introducing any new framework.
The convention drew participation from traders’ organizations from Kolhapur, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Jaysingpur, Nashik, Baramati, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, Mumbai, Vashi, Nagpur, Morshi and Dhule. Around 100 delegates attended in person, while nearly 250 office-bearers from across the state joined virtually.
Speaking via video conference, MACCIA president Ravindra Mangave, FAM president Jitendra Shah, CAMIT leader Dipenji Agrawal and GROMA president Bhimjibhai Bhanushali expressed support for the traders’ demands and called for a review of the policy.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Poona Merchants Chamber president Rajendra Bathiya, vice-president Ajit Bora, former president Raikumar Nahar, Pravin Chorbele, Popatlal Ostwal, Rajesh Shah, Suresh Chikkali, Prafull Sancheti, Sachin Nivungane, Sambhaji Kirve, Amol Shah, Sharadbhai Shah and Rajendra Bothra.
The resolutions adopted at the convention sought the immediate withdrawal of the user charges law, replacement of the existing APMC legislation with a modernized framework, implementation of decisions taken during a 2024 meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal, and legal changes to protect traditional trade practices.
Rajendra Bathiya delivered the opening remarks, Ishwar Nahar welcomed the participants and Ashish Dugad proposed the vote of thanks.
