Farmers protest parking fee at KR Market, seek free access

Farmers on Tuesday staged a protest at KR Market against the pay-and-park system introduced by the Bengaluru Central City Corporation, demanding that parking facilities at the wholesale market remain free for those bringing agricultural produce to the city.

The demonstration was led by members of the Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, who argued that imposing parking charges on farmers would increase their operational expenses and create difficulties in transporting produce to the market.

Farmers oppose parking charges

Protesters gathered at KR Market, one of Bengaluru’s largest wholesale trading hubs, and urged authorities to withdraw the paid parking system.

Representatives of the farmers’ organisations said cultivators already face rising costs related to transportation, labour and agricultural inputs, and additional parking fees would place an unnecessary burden on them.

They maintained that farmers should be provided free access to parking facilities when bringing goods to the market for sale.

Delegation meets officials

Alongside the protest, farmer representatives met senior officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the city corporations to press their demands.

The delegation sought immediate intervention and requested that special provisions be made for farmers using the market.

Following discussions, GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao assured the delegation that measures would be explored to ensure free parking facilities for farmers.

Authorities seek withdrawal of protest

Bengaluru Central City Corporation Commissioner G. Jagadeesha also met the protesting farmers and held discussions with their representatives.

Officials said assurances were given that the concerns raised by farmers would be examined and appropriate action considered.

The commissioner appealed to the protesters to withdraw the agitation while discussions on the issue continued.

Farmers said they would closely monitor the authorities’ response and expect concrete measures to address their concerns regarding parking charges at the market.