SANGLI

Sangli’s APMC is regarded as one of the most prominent markets in Maharashtra. Historically, it gained recognition for being a leading hub for turmeric trade in India. In 2002, the purchase and sale of raisins were brought under market regulation, further expanding its role. Due to its strategic location near the Maharashtra–Karnataka border, around 80% of the agricultural goods traded here, such as jaggery, maize, and jowar, come from Karnataka. Currently, 36 types of agricultural products are regulated under the committee's guidelines.

Sangli also benefits from a natural advantage: underground storage structures known as pevs in areas like Sangliwadi and Haripur, traditionally used for storing turmeric. To support this thriving trade, the Indian government has established a Turmeric Speculation Marketing Centre in Sangli, which facilitates the buying and selling of turmeric by merchants and farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The strong coordination and cooperation within the market committee have led to consistent growth and satisfactory improvements in business operations.

Held every Saturday near the Ganesh Mandir and Ganesh Peth area in Sangli, the Athawadi Bazaar is a vibrant weekly market where vendors set up temporary stalls for the day. The market offers a wide range of goods, including food grains, pulses, vegetables, clothes, utensils, and daily-use items. Most of the produce is sourced locally, with some arriving from Karnataka. Known for its lively atmosphere and active price bargaining, the market wraps up by evening as the stalls are dismantled.

Burud Galli is a lane in Sangli known for its traditional bamboo craftsmanship, sustained by the Burud community for generations. Artisans create a wide range of items, including baskets, mats, ladders, and bamboo chairs. The name Buruda in Sanskrit refers to a maker of baskets or mats, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted identity. Women play an integral role in both crafting and selling these products, a skill passed down from a young age. The bamboo used is typically sourced from the Konkan region.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Market, also called Shivaji Mandai, is one of the oldest vegetable markets in Sangli. A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands prominently at the entrance. While wholesale trade has now shifted to the outskirts of the city, this market remains a bustling centre for retail vegetable sales. Vendors source their stock from the wholesale market and sell it here to daily shoppers. The area is densely packed and often difficult to access by car due to the constant rush of customers and vehicles.

Ganesh Market is located near the SFC Mega Mall and the Sangli City Post Office. With around 150–200 shops, it offers a wide range of goods, including clothing, electronics, mobile accessories, watches, shoes, belts, bags, wallets, sunglasses, and household items. The market is known for selling “first-copy” products at lower prices and is often called the “China Market” of Sangli. It draws regular comparisons to the adjacent SFC Mega Mall, which features branded retail outlets.

Located about 8 km from Sangli, Laxmi Market in Miraj dates back over 130 years to the British era. Originally a hub for wholesale trade, the market now primarily caters to local customers with vendors selling vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, and flowers. Much of the produce comes from Karnataka and is sold across Maharashtra. While wholesale activities have shifted outside the city, the structure of the market has remained mostly unchanged, apart from minor roof repairs undertaken by the local administration.

The Vasantdada Patil Market Yard is a wholesale agricultural market in Sangli. It is named after Vasantdada Patil, a former Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The market deals in fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, and spices. It is known for large-scale trade in onions, turmeric, and grapes, which are widely grown in the Sangli district. The market has storage facilities, warehouses, and transport links. Financial institutions like Vasantdada Nagari Sahakari Bank provide services to traders and farmers.