Apna Bazaars in UP to provide market access to farmers

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government today decided to set up two more 'Apna Bazaar' markets in Saifai and Jhansi to provide farmers a platform where they can directly sell their produce.

The markets, which will be in addition to the one already functional in capital Lucknow, will provide farm products to the consumers at cheaper rates, besides giving farmers a direct access to the markets, an official release said.

After a review meeting today, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also approved a monthly scholarship of Rs 6000 for the students engaged in farm research, it said, adding that the move will benefit nearly 125 scholars in various universities.

In other decisions, the government gave its nod to the new rice export policy in which it was decided to revoke the mandi tax, and decided to go for e-tendering of works above Rs 10 crore to ensure transparency in constructions, it said.