Farmers should not be forced to pay commission to middlemen: Upalokayukta to APMC

Upalokayukta B. Veerappa interacting with farmers during a surprise inspection at the APMC market at Hosapete in Vijayanagara district on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

During a surprise inspection at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market in Hosapete on Saturday, Karnataka Upalokayukta B. Veerappa directed the APMC authorities to ensure that farmers are not forced to pay commission to middlemen and ordered the immediate installation of signboards declaring that collecting commission from farmers is illegal.

During his visit to the APMC market, several farmers complained that officials and middlemen were illegally collecting commission from them. Responding to the complaints on the ground, Mr. Veerappa instructed the farmers not to pay commission under any circumstances and directed the APMC authorities to post prominently to the farmers that charging commission is prohibited by law.

To ensure that farmers are not cheated while weighing their produce, Upalokayukta checked the scale by standing on it to verify its accuracy. He also examined whether the weighing equipment was regularly calibrated and certified in accordance with government regulations.

Mr. Veerappa expressed displeasure over the poor maintenance of drinking water facilities in the market and pulled up the officials for their negligence. He directed them to immediately remove the deficiencies and ensure proper drinking water facilities for the farmers and the public.

As farmers often come to the APMC market at night and require a place to rest, he directed the municipal authorities to grant permission to construct a shed in the market premises as soon as possible.

Upalokayukta later toured the city bus stand where he visited the luggage storage, toilets, waiting room and business facilities. Probing sweets and other food items sold in shops, he warned shopkeepers against charging prices above the maximum retail price (MRP) and directed them not to sell expired food items under any circumstances.

During the inspection, students of Vijayanagara College complained about the lack of timely city bus service to their institution. Taking cognizance of the matter, Mr. Veerappa instructed the Transport Department officials to immediately introduce city bus services on the Vijayanagara College route.

Lokayukta Deputy Registrar Aravind, Sub Divisional Officer Vivekananda, District Urban Development Cell Project Director Manohar, Municipal Commissioner Eragudi Shivakumar, tahsildar Shruti M. and officials from various departments were present during the inspection.

Published – 25 Jul 2026 19:39 IST