Delhi lost trade worth Rs 300 cr so far due to farmers' protest, says CAIT

Farmers have been primarily demanding for legal guarantee on MSP.

The ongoing farmers' protest has resulted in an estimated loss of approximately Rs 300-crore in trade so far due to disruptions in the national capital Delhi, according to Confederation of All India Traders.

The absence of around 5 lakh traders, who typically visit Delhi from nearby states for purchases, further exacerbates the economic downturn, the traders' body said on February 16.

The farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest that began roughly on February 13 is a culmination of various demands, including legalising minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for their crops.

BC Bhartia, National President and Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General, of CAIT said: "No doubt, a large section of the farmers in the country are facing losses. Therefore, the vital question is how to convert such farming into a profitable venture and as such the demand and talks should revolve around this issue."

However, they said that the demands put forth by the farmers , if met, will have an adverse impact on the economy and the consumers in particular and urged the central government to consider all aspects including the interests of other sectors in their discussions.

Farmers from Punjab began their march to the national capital on February 13 but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The protesting farmers have been camping at the border points.

Besides the legal guarantee on MSP, the farmers have been demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver and withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

The traders' body CAIT reiterated its call for peaceful dialogue.

Ahead of the Bharat Bandh on February 16, the Centre held its third round of talks with the protesting farmers. However, the meeting which went on for more than five hours on February 15 night, mostly remained inconclusive.

Both sides have agreed to hold another round of talks on February 18. The two previous rounds of dialogue took place on February 8 and 12. The farmer leaders said they will continue to stay put at the two border points between Punjab and Haryana.