Major Action by Kondagaon Mandi Committee

Two Vehicles Seized for Illegal Transport of Maize, ₹92,805 Recovered

Raipur : In a strict enforcement drive, the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Kondagaon has seized two vehicles involved in the illegal transport of maize, taking action under the provisions of the Mandi Act. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Mandi Secretary Mr. Suresh Kumar Singh on 13 and 14 June in the Makdi region.

According to reports, on 13 June, Mr. Nepal Gharami from Bharsondi village (Odisha) was caught transporting 500 sacks of maize in Makdi tehsil without valid mandi documents. Similarly, on 14 June, Mr. Upendra Manjhi from Ampani village (Odisha) was found transporting 387 sacks of maize under similar illegal conditions.

In both instances, the transportation lacked the necessary mandi documentation. Under Section 23 of the Mandi Act, 1972, both the vehicles and maize were seized and handed over to the custody of Makdi Police Station. Further, under Section 19(4) of the Act, a penalty amounting to five times the payable mandi fee, along with the Farmer Welfare Fee, Destitute Fee, and penalties under Section 53, was imposed — leading to a total recovery of ₹92,805 from the traders involved.

This action by the Mandi Committee aims to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure transparent agricultural trade practices.

It is noteworthy that during 2024–25, a total of 16 cases of illegal maize trade were registered, resulting in the recovery of ₹3.20 lakh. The Mandi Committee has reiterated that it is closely monitoring illegal trade of agricultural produce and that strict punitive action will continue against violators of the law.