Committee on Agricultural Market Reforms Recommends Universal Implementation of Model APMC Act Committee Submits Report to Agriculture Minister

The Committee of State Ministers In-charge of Agriculture Marketing to Promote Marketing Reforms has called for an effective implementation of Model APMC Act in all the states. The committee has submitted final report to the Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar. 

This committee was constituted in March, 2010 under the Chairmanship of Shri Harshvardhan Patil, Minister for Cooperation and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Maharashtra. The mandate of the committee was to (i) persuade various State Governments/Administration of Union Territories to implement the reforms in agriculture marketing through adoption of Model APMC Act and Rules; (ii) suggest further reforms necessary to provide a barrier free national market; (iii) suggest measures to effectively disseminate market information and to promote grading, standardization, packaging and quality certification of agricultural produce. 

The committee has also recommended the setting up of multiple and competitive marketing channels; independent regulatory authority to encourage private investors; need for viability gap funding to attract private sector investment; higher investment in marketing infrastructure under RKVY; waiver of market fee on fruit and vegetables; setting up of independent district level authority for registration and dispute settlement; and setting up grading units with trained manpower in the market.  (PIB)