Out of 38 private markets, 18 markets have been developed in Maharashtra, 6 in Gujarat, 12 in Rajasthan and 2 markets in Karnataka
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in the Lok Sabha on March 9, “Private companies have developed 38 farm markets in four states with a total investment of over Rs 300 crore in the last three years”. As per the 2006 National Commission on Farmers’ Report, the minister said that there should be one market to serve 80 square kilometre (sq km), whereas presently one regulated market serves 473 sq km.
As per the information available from state governments, a total number of 38 private agriculture markets have been developed during the last three years including the current year involving a total investment of Rs 301.19 crore, Tomar said.
Out of which, 18 markets have been developed in Maharashtra with an investment of Rs 88.62 crore, six markets in Gujarat at Rs 151.6 crore and 12 markets in Rajasthan at Rs 49.75 crore and two markets in Karnataka at Rs 11.22 crore, he added.
“In order to realize a greater number of markets in the country and to induce competitiveness and efficiency in the marketing ecosystem, there is a felt need for investment in farm marketing. Farm laws aim at promoting agriculture marketing infrastructure and supply chains for efficiently connecting farm gates to markets for the benefit of farmers by encouraging investments,” Tomar said in his written reply to the Lower House.
The minister added that these farm Acts facilitate direct buying from farmers in trade areas by traders, processors, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Agri co-operative societies so as to facilitate farmers with better price realization to enhance their income.
