Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

A battle lost, or last

It is a battle of wits at the `Uzhavar Sandhais' (farmers' markets) between traders and officials. When efforts are on to restore the glory of these markets, traders are doing their best to outsmart officials. Prices of vegetables crashed at the market once the new Government took over. Eviction of traders and issue of new identity cards to farmers have resulted in many shops going empty. It will take some time for farmers, who had left for their villages following the takeover of the markets by traders, to return.

Meanwhile, the quality of vegetables sold in the farmers' markets has hit a low. "This is the quality we can offer for the prices fixed by officials," say traders. But consumers are the losers.

From S. Annamalai in Madurai

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