Agri Business And Tourism Bear The Brunt

Small traders of farm produce took a big hit with disruption in online bill processing

- AM Jigeesh

Internet shutdowns across Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir impacted business in general, and the agri-business and tourism sectors, in particular.

In J&K, tourism and horticulture have taken a hit while in UP, Kharif harvest and sale were affected, with farmers unable to communicate effectively with traders and markets, and with the online payment process coming to a halt.

Farmer's leader from Bulandshahr, DP Singh, says the shutdown has further distressed the local economy. Singh, who produces sugarcane, wheat, mustard, and rice, says the sale of foodgrains was disrupted during the blockade. “This is the time we sell our farm produce, mainly rice, in the local markets. Online payments are pending and farmers are in distress. Traders want to pay money but since the payment is online, they are also facing a difficult situation,” he says.

His area is a sugarcane belt. “Sugarcane payments and arrears are also prepared online. All Jan Sewa Kendras (facilitation centers) that provide various certificates for farmers from government departments have also not been working because of the shutdown. The Public Distribution System has been punctured, leaving poor people in distress. The total economy is in distress,” he reiterates.