Bhubaneswar, India (CU)_ The Odisha government has decided to boost agricultural and livestock marketing, which had been neglected owing to different circumstances, by introducing a new law that has already been submitted in the Assembly and is anticipated to be passed during this winter session.
The purpose of the Odisha Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (promotion and facilitation) Bill is to implement extensive market reforms in the agriculture industry. The new law, along with another on contract farming, was planned to be enacted last year; however, the state administration became hesitant owing to high resistance to the three agricultural reform bills passed by the Center, which were subsequently repealed.
Once enacted, the new law would allow the state to facilitate the establishment and operation of market yards, farmer-consumer market yards (Krushak Bazar), and sub-market yards in an effort to increase the competitive prices for farmers’ products. During a recent video conference meeting conducted by the Chief Minister’s Office, it was agreed to pass a law to govern agriculture and livestock marketing, as well as the operation of the Odisha State Agricultural Marketing (OSAM) Board and Regulated Market Committees (RMCs) in the State.
Additionally, collectors’ participation in policy formation for agri-marketing and the demand-driven building of RMC infrastructure will continue, and SHGs’ participation in agri-marketing activities will increase. It has been agreed that the RMCs would be gradually deinstitutionalized. Additional training and exposure tour activities will be planned for farmers and SHG members to allow them to study and adopt the agri-marketing-related technological transformation process.
