Jharkhand Traders Body Plans to Start Indefinite Strike from February 15 Against Farm Bills

The decision to strike was made at a state-level meeting attended by traders affiliated with the Federation of Jharkhand Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI). During the day, traders protested by closing their shops and burning an effigy of Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh, demanding the withdrawal of the new agriculture bill.

"Traders will go on an indefinite strike from February 15 to protest against the agriculture bill. The state's 28 mandis and 150 rice mills will remain closed, and imports of consumable items, primarily agricultural products, will be halted. "The bill will encourage price increases and have a negative impact on farmers," FJCCI president Kishor Mantri said.

Notably, on February 4, Governor Ramesh Bais gave his support to the Jharkhand State Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing Bill, 2022, along with some suggestions. The governor suggested that, in light of the bill, a thorough discussion with all stakeholders be ensured during the rule-making process.

"The market fee rate should be set with farmers in the state's rural and tribal communities in mind," Bais had said. Former FJCCI president Praveen Chabra stated that once the new rule is implemented, a 2% market fee on non-perishable items and a 1% market fee on perishable items will be realised.

"In this country, 98% of consumable ready items are imported for trading. The burden will fall on consumers with the implementation of market fees," he said. The state agriculture minister and secretary were unable to be reached for comment. The traders' body claimed that its members "tried to convince the government but failed".

The Federation of Jharkhand Chambers of Commerce and Industries, or FJCCI, was founded on September 15, 1960. It has a responsibility to bring issues and concerns raised by its members and affiliated bodies to the attention of policymakers and authorities, and to seek every possible solution in their best interests. Aside from that, the Federation serves as a liaison between its stakeholders and government departments on policy formulation, conducts awareness campaigns among its members about new rules and compliances, and brings together larger regional and national players.