Marketing Facility to Farmers

Government is providing assistance to the farmers to solve their marketing problems. The schemes being implemented for the benefit of farmers in the field of agricultural marketing are as under:

(i) Marketing Research and Information Network (MRIN) scheme is being implemented since March, 2000 for dissemination of marketing information to the farmers. The AGMARKNET portal is in public domain and market information in respect of more than 1800 markets is disseminated daily in respect of 300 commodities and 2000 varieties. Under the Scheme, 3026 computers have been provided to different Agricultural Produce Markets in the country.

(ii) Scheme for Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization (AMIGS) is being implemented since 20/10/2004 with a view to induce large investment in the development of agricultural marketing infrastructure, including grading and standardization facilities. Under this scheme credit linked investment subsidy is being provided on the capital cost of marketing and post harvest infrastructure for agricultural commodities and for strengthening and modernization of existing agricultural markets, wholesale and rural periodic. The scheme covers agricultural and allied sectors including dairy, poultry, fishery, livestock and minor forest produce. In all 6287 projects have been sanctioned up to 30th June 2011 involving a subsidy of Rs. 440.38 crores as subsidy released.

(iii) Grameen Bhandaran Yojana was launched on 01.04.2001. The main objectives of the scheme include creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet out various requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce, agricultural inputs and prevention of distress sale by creating the facility of pledge loan and marketing credit. From 1st April 2007 to 30th June 2011, 13,031 projects have been sanctioned and Rs. 35731.3996 lakhs released as subsidy.

(iv) Under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) scheme, financial assistance is provided for taking up various activities related to development of horticulture, including primary processing, post harvest management and marketing infrastructure. Under the scheme so far, 244 rural primary markets and 91 wholesale markets have been sanctioned with an assistance of Rs. 1111.55 lakhs and Rs. 11582.91 lakhs, respectively.

This information was given by Shri Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

MP: SB:CP: marketing (2.8..2011)