Centre holds consultations with states on agri-market reforms

NEW DELHI: Aiming to set up a national common market for agri-produces, the Centre today held consultations with state governments on bringing marketing reforms including changes in APMC Act.

Agriculture marketing is a state subject and most of the States have their own Agriculture Procedure Marketing Committee (APMC) Act to regulate agriculture marketing.

States have reservations about amending the Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act (APMC).

"We are discussing with all state governments on the issue of agri-marketing reforms. Not many states have amended their APMC Act due to some reservations," a senior Agriculture Ministry official told.

The government is focusing on improving the entire supply chain of agriculture produces and eventually set up a national common market, the official added.

The Union Agriculture Ministry is holding consultations with officials of state governments in four groups. So far, it finished discussions with two groups. The meeting with the rest two groups will be completed by early next month.

"We are discussing in detail with state governments about their concerns and reservations in bringing agri-marketing reforms. We will list all the concerns and decide what best action be taken to push reforms," the official added.

In an effort to reform the sector by providing farmers with an improved infrastructure and "alternative" marketing channels, the Agriculture Ministry had prepared a model APMC Act and circulated to various States and Union Territories in 2003 for implementation.

So far, 16 states have amended their Acts based on the model provided by the Centre, while nine states have amended their rules.