Has the Maha government approved the establishment of a nationally designated market?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a nationally designated market.
- The move aims to enhance the e-NAM scheme's effectiveness.
- Farmers will benefit from fair pricing mechanisms.
- A Single Unified License will simplify trade processes.
- A local supervision committee will be established to oversee implementation.
Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has officially sanctioned the creation of a nationally designated market by modifying the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963.
This initiative aims to enhance the execution of the e-NAM scheme, ensuring that farmers receive fair and equitable prices for their agricultural products.
Both the Central and State Governments are actively implementing the e-NAM scheme across 133 Agricultural Produce Market Committees in Maharashtra, aimed at minimizing trade barriers within these markets.
While online trading methods are being adopted, the absence of a Single Unified License under e-NAM in the state has hindered the commencement of inter-market and inter-state trade, as stated in an official government release.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare at the Central level has introduced the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Operation and Facilities) Act, 2017 (Model Act).
A bill to amend the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 was proposed during the winter session of 2018.
A sub-committee was established to review the bill's provisions, which subsequently led to recommended amendments.
Following the guidelines of the Central Model Act, provisions will be introduced to designate large market committees that source agricultural produce from at least two other states as Nationally Notified Market Committees.
Once these committees are recognized as nationally designated markets, the government will have direct oversight, streamlining the decision-making and marketing processes.
Moreover, it has been suggested to incorporate clauses pertaining to the Single Unified License in accordance with the Model Act of 2017.
“Recommendations have also been made to establish a cadre of secretaries for Agricultural Produce Market Committees, ensuring they operate under direct government supervision, fostering a better connection between the government and the market committees, and regulating influences within the agricultural market. The secretary's salary will be funded by the supervision fee collected, which will be redirected to the marketing department,” the government release elaborated.
The cabinet has also greenlit the formation of a local supervision committee to ensure the effective application of these amendments.