CII for new model of Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act

KOLKATA: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Tuesday said it will request the West Bengal government to adopt the Centre's new model Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act.

Talking to media persons, CII president & CMD of TVS Motor Venu Srinivasan and CII(ER) deputy chairman & ITC chief executive (tobacco) Kurush Grant said, "Industry participation in agriculture is vital for the growth of this primary sector. We strongly believe contract farming in the state will pave the way for industrial investment in the state's agricultural sector. Pepsi and ITC have successfully carried out contract farming in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. So, it is proved that farmers will benefit from this."

Interestingly, the West Bengal government does not allow contract farming and is one of the states that have not adopted the new model APMC Act. According to CII officials, this act is more liberal vis-a-vis corporate entry into agricultural produce marketing.

Commenting on the model APMC Act, Srinivasan suggested that all states should adopt the new Act for improving infrastructure in the agriculture sector. They also said that agricultural land and wetland should be protected. The apex chamber is now preparing a report on land acquisition. According to Mr Srinivasan, the report will be completed by July. "We hope to submit it to the new government at the Centre," he added.

Talking on the CII strategy for West Bengal, chairman (ER), Mukul Somany said: "The thrust should be on infrastructure development which has not improved much in the last 25 years. We need ports and better roads to enhance connectivity."