Question : Agricultural Market Reforms

(a) whether the Union Government has a proposal to consult States over major changes in agriculture sector such as expansion of the market reforms to promote competitiveness, freeing fruits and vegetables from fixed sale points and increasing multi crop areas as part of the Government effort to double the farm income;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any suggestions have also been sought from NITI Ayog in this regard; and

(d) if so, the details of the suggestions received from NITI Ayog in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) & (b): All Policy matters concerned with major changes in agriculture sector are conducted in consultation with States, as agriculture is a State subject.. Likewise, Government efforts to double farmer income will involve active engagement with the States. For instance, as far as agri-marketing reforms are concerned, the Government of India has engaged actively with the States in conducting the reforms dialogue, including at the stage of formulation of Model Act, 2003/Model Rules, 2007 or later in 2010 during deliberations of the Committee of State Ministers, In-charge of Agriculture Marketing to Promote Reform. As marketing is perceived as a major force that will drive agriculture incomes, the Government has also recently launched National Agriculture Market after having consulted the States.

(c) & (d): Task Force on Agricultural Development constituted in the NITI Ayog in its report (May 2016) has suggested, inter alia, promotion of contract farming, direct sale by farmers to consumers, marketing of fruits and vegetable on cooperative milk marketing model,. National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), etc.

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