Traditional traders demand policy protection from e-commerce dominance at Karnataka meet

Concerns over the growing impact of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms on traditional businesses dominated a meeting titled ‘Vyapari Samvada’ in Kalaburagi on June 18. The event was jointly organised by the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI), the Central University of Karnataka (CUK), and Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

Addressing the gathering, Manohar Agarwal, national co-convenor of Swadeshi Vyapar Manch, New Delhi, said traditional traders and small businesses, which form the backbone of India’s economy and employment generation, were increasingly facing challenges due to policies that favour large corporate players and online platforms. He stressed the need for collective efforts to protect and strengthen local trade and entrepreneurship.

He expressed concern over the declining interest of the younger generation in family-owned businesses. He urged business families to encourage entrepreneurship among their children, and motivate them to modernise and expand traditional enterprises rather than opting exclusively for salaried employment. Citing the success stories of industrialists Savjibhai Dholakia of Hari Krishna Exports and Karsanbhai Patel of Nirma, he said determination, innovation and adaptability remain key to business growth.

He called upon trade associations to work closely with the Swadeshi Vyapar Manch to ensure that issues affecting local traders are effectively represented before governments and policymakers.

Santosh Langer, president of the Grain and Seed Merchants’ Association, voiced concern over large-scale import of food products and agricultural commodities despite adequate domestic production. He said such imports adversely affect farmers and traders by depressing market prices below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He urged the government to frame policies that would safeguard domestic agriculture and related industries.

Representatives from various trade sectors highlighted issues relating to e-commerce, quick-commerce, imports, retail trade, market regulation, and the challenges confronting traditional businesses. It was decided to consolidate the concerns raised during the interaction, and submit them to the Swadeshi Vyapar Manch for further representation before the appropriate authorities.

Earlier, KKCCI Honorary Secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty emphasised the need for policies that protect local retailers, distributors and wholesalers. He suggested that major e-commerce and quick-commerce companies should be encouraged to procure products through local distributors and supply chains to strengthen regional business ecosystems.

The programme was presided over by Kedar Raghoji, Vice-President of KKCCI. Rajshekhar Dukandhar, Chairman of the Trade and Trade Adalat Committee of KKCCI, Baswaraj M.S., Assistant Professor at the Department of Economic Studies and Planning, CUK, and representatives of various trade associations, industrial bodies and the business community were present.