'Pay Us Now': Agro Dealers seek settlement of pending dues

Srinagar, Jan 1: The Agro Dealers Association of Jammu and Kashmir has sought intervention from the Agriculture Minister In a bid to secure payments owed by the J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd (JKAIDCL) since 2019.

In a letter addressed to Agriculture Minister, Javed Dar, the Association outlined the severe financial strain on local suppliers due to JKAIDCL's failure to settle dues.

"The dealers, who took loans to supply goods to the Corporation, now find themselves in a financial bind as the funds were allegedly diverted to the Corporation's internal expenses rather than compensating suppliers."

"Despite some dealers securing payment release orders from the High Court, the management at JKAIDCL has been accused of ignoring these legal directives, citing various excuses. This inaction has led to a compounding of interest on the suppliers' loans, pushing many small businesses to the brink," the letter mentions.

The Association has threatened to organise a dharna (sit-in protest) at the JKAIDCL compound this winter, an action they say they are reluctant to take but feel compelled by the circumstances. They have urged the Agriculture Minister to direct JKAIDCL to release the pending payments immediately, dismissing any further excuses as unfounded.