In a major move to liberalise agri-markets, the Centre has come out with a draft model law that seeks to end monopoly of traditional APMC mandis and allow private players and others to set up wholesale markets. It would be a major agri-reform, if at least 15 BJP-ruled states adopt the new model law — Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitating) Act (APLM), 2017, as it provides wider options for farmers to sell produce and get better prices. At present, farmers can sell their produce at regulated APMC (Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee) mandis only. There are 6,746 such mandis and each one is located at a gap of 462 km. They are subjected to different kinds of fees. Most states have agreed to implement the new model Act. Its implementation will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The government’s aim is to set up a wholesale market at every 80 km. APMC will be one of the markets. It will have no regulatory powers. The law promotes multiple market channels like private market yards, direct marketing and even godowns and silos can be notified as markets. The law seeks to set a separate authority to regulate all agri-markets including APMC and provide trading licenses.

(Financial Express)