Vashi APMC plans overhaul, digital shift; onion-potato market decision in 2 months

Marketing minister and APMC chairman Jaykumar Rawal announced the roadmap after inspecting all five market yards and meeting traders, farmers, Mathadi workers and officials

Navi Mumbai: The ageing Vashi APMC could soon look very different, with authorities planning a decision on the fate of its long-troubled onion-potato market within two months and a gradual shift to digital, cashless transactions beginning within a year. The overhaul also aims to transform the market into a modern trading hub capable of competing with leading markets across Asia.

Navi Mumbai, India - August 23, 2023: Workers sort oions at a cold storage in Bajrang ice factory & Cold storage, after Union Government imposed 40 percent duty on exports of onions at Sector -18 Vashi, in Navi Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO)

Marketing minister and APMC chairman Jaykumar Rawal announced the roadmap after inspecting all five market yards and meeting traders, farmers, Mathadi workers and officials.

The immediate concern is the condition of the market’s ageing structures, most of which date back to the 1970s and 1980s. The onion-potato market has been classified as dangerous since 2005 and was recently served a notice by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to stop operations.

“A decision regarding the future of the Onion-Potato Market will be taken within the next two months after discussions with the concerned traders in light of the notices issued by the municipal corporation. Simultaneously, the issue of redeveloping the central building in the spice market will also be resolved,” Rawal said.

The condition of basic facilities is also on the government’s radar. Rawal ordered immediate cleaning of the washrooms in the onion-potato market and directed officials to improve toilets across the complex, including separate facilities for women. Clean and cold drinking-water kiosks, better lighting, solar lights and road repairs are also planned.

“Options will be examined to involve relevant institutions or private agencies for the construction and ongoing maintenance of additional washroom facilities across the market,” Rawal said.

The market’s transactions are also set for a digital makeover. Rawal said the process of moving towards digital and online payments would begin within a year, with a large proportion of transactions expected to become cashless over the next two to three years.

The proposed system will cover the movement of agricultural produce from the moment trucks enter the market to the unloading of cargo. Officials will also work on fixing problems with FASTag entry, vehicle movement and cargo unloading processes, Rawal said.

The state is also considering appointing an independent CEO for the national market. A recruitment drive through a transparent examination process is planned to address the APMC’s staff shortage, while contractual manpower will be used in the interim.

Parking, sanitation, service-tax disputes and unauthorised trade will also be reviewed. Closed premises will be examined for reuse, while stall owners will be considered for alternative arrangements. Officials and agriculture experts will help finalise decisions.

“In the next two to three years, people will see a new APMC equipped with modern facilities that can withstand competition in global markets,” Rawal said.

The Maharashtra government granted Mumbai APMC “Market of National Importance” status in May. Rawal took charge as its chairman on June 2.