Siliguri traders ire after vegetable started decaying due to ban by Sikkim govt

Prashant Acharya, EOI, SILIGURI, 6 Apr 2018 : The ban of non-organic fruits and vegetable by the government of Sikkim has drawn ire to the traders of Siliguri market as the items have started decaying due to lack of purchase.

The entire traders of Siliguri Regulated Market are frustrated over the decision made by the government of Sikkim.

Shiv Kumar, secretary of regulated market said, “We are suffering due to the wrong policies of the government. The vegetable and fruits have started decaying and the farmers of Bengal are suffering mostly.Why only potatoes, onions and garlic purchased which are grown in the same field with other non-organic products. The labours and workers have decided to start picketing and not allow Sikkim vehicles to carry items from the market which may spoil the relationship between the two neighboring states.”

According to Kumar the market association and traders have informed Darjeeling district magistrate and Siliguri sub divisional officer to solve the matter soon before the situation becomes abnormal.

Traders informed that around 40 percent of vegetables and fruits are purchased from the market by the Sikkimese.

The market shown deserted look and the stray animals were eating the rotten vegetables inside the market complex. 

Some of the SK number vehicles were seen loading green vegetable under the seats denied to speak with this correspondent due to fear.

The loaders were also ire as they used to earn more by loading vegetable and fruits in Sikkim vehicles.

Arun Singh, a loader said, “Hum din me jo kamate the abhi kuch dino se uska muskil se adha bhi nahi ho pata.” (Whatever we use to earn but since few days its hardly half of that.)