Tonnes of vegetables distributed to people free of cost in Peddapalli
A rift between wholesale and retail traders was stated to be the main reason for the free distribution of vegetables
Peddapalli: While the prices of vegetables are skyrocketing in other parts of the State, people of Peddapalli town got them for free on Tuesday. Tons of vegetables were distributed free of cost in the Peddapalli vegetable market this morning.
Knowing about the free vegetable distribution taking place, scores of the people rushed to the market and returned with their bags full of vegetables.
A rift between wholesale and retail traders was stated to be the main reason for the free distribution of vegetables. There is a condition that wholesale traders should not sell vegetables in retail (one kg and half kg).
The rift among both the traders continued for sometime as wholesale traders had started selling in retail by violating the agreement.
Enraged over their attitude, retail traders distributed vegetables to the public free of cost to mark their protest and closed the market.
Retail vendors said about 150 families (retail traders) were earning a livelihood by selling vegetables in the market. However, wholesale traders were disturbing their market by selling vegetables in retail by violating the agreement.
They said wholesale traders, who open their shops around 4 am, should close their shops by 8 am. However, except a few, a majority of them were continuing business even after 8 am. There are 18 wholesale traders in the market.
Earlier too, both the sides had argued with each other over the issue but entered into an agreement after discussions. However, the issue again came to fore as the wholesale traders started selling vegetables in retail by violating agreement.
Intervening in the matter, local MLA Ch Vijayaramana Rao held discussions with both sides and settled the issue. The legislator instructed wholesale traders to close their business by 9 am. Satisfied with the settlement, retail traders opened their shops and continued trading.
