Cabinet nod to two ordinances on agri trade, modern tech

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two ordinances on farmers’ engagement with large processors and barrier-free agriculture trade, seeking to help them get remunerative price and attract private investment and modern technologies in the farming sector. It also cleared an amendment to the Essential Commodities Act, to remove commodities such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oil, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities. This will lift any restrictions on stocking these commodities by processors, millers, importers, exporters and traders.

Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the decisions would help transform the agriculture sector in the country.

The Cabinet approved The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020.