UP farmers back Reliance stores

The closures snowballed, with Reliance Industries Ltd, India8217;s biggest private company, putting on hold the opening of hundreds of air-conditioned supermarkets across northern and eastern India.

Forming a human chain along the main thoroughfare of Lucknow, thousands of farmers shouted 8220;We want the reopening of all retail stores!8221;

The farmers say the Western-style supermarkets would enable them to make bigger profits by selling their produce to them. Small traders argue that the big supermarkets will drive them out of business.

New supermarkets have become a lightning rod for fears that India8217;s rapid modernisation will destroy the livelihoods of millions of Indians who work in street markets or small shops.