The Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCC&I) sought immediate review of the functioning of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), alleging that its present operations are adversely affecting local entrepreneurs, businesses and the district’s economy.
While acknowledging the government’s initiative in establishing the APMC to promote local agricultural produce, provide better market access to farmers and strengthen the rural economy, the Chamber claimed that the market has gradually drifted away from its original objectives.
According to a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha by Yungathung C Murry, President, WDCCI and Z Ponatbung Kikon, General Secretary, the Saturday market, which initially accommodated only a handful of traders from neighbouring Assam, has expanded significantly, with nearly 300 stalls now operating.
The Chamber alleged that a large number of these stalls are run by traders from outside the state and deal in hardware, garments, household goods, lifestyle products and other commercial merchandise unrelated to agriculture, effectively turning the APMC into a general marketplace rather than a regulated agricultural market.
The WDCC&I contended that the present system has placed local entrepreneurs at a competitive disadvantage. It pointed out that permanent business establishments in Wokha town are required to bear statutory and operational expenses such as municipal taxes, trade licence fees, shop rent, electricity charges, employee salaries and transportation costs, whereas temporary vendors incur far lower overheads, enabling them to sell goods at cheaper prices.
Expressing concern over the economic implications, the Chamber claimed that the weekly APMC market reportedly generates commercial transactions exceeding ₹1 crore every week, but alleged that a substantial share of this revenue is controlled by traders from outside Nagaland and does not circulate within the local economy.
It warned that the continued outflow of commercial gains could weaken indigenous entrepreneurship, reduce opportunities for local businesses and adversely impact the economy of both Wokha district and the state.
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The Chamber also raised concerns over the participation of outside traders allegedly operating without proper trade permits and adequate regulatory oversight. It cautioned that if the present trend continues, it could discourage local entrepreneurs and undermine the long-term economic interests of the district.
Clarifying that it is not opposed to healthy interstate trade, the WDCC&I said it supports legitimate business activities within a fair and well-regulated framework that safeguards the interests of local entrepreneurs and the public.
In its representation, the Chamber urged the district administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the APMC’s functioning in line with its original objectives, ensure that priority is given to local agricultural produce and genuine stakeholders, examine the participation of outside traders and introduce appropriate regulatory measures, and ensure that business activities do not compromise the interests of permanent registered businesses in the district.
The WDCC&I expressed confidence that timely intervention by the district administration would restore public confidence in the institution and ensure that the APMC functions in accordance with the purpose for which it was established.
The Chamber, however, cautioned that if the issues raised remain unaddressed, the business community may be compelled to resort to peaceful and democratic forms of protest until appropriate remedial measures are taken.
