Expert panel moots Rs 11.17 cr plan for agriculture marketing

An experts’ committee has envisaged a plan of Rs 11.174 crore for the next 10 years for strengthening the agriculture marketing system, said Nabard Assistant General Manager Dr Diwakar.

Speaking at a district-level workshop on agriculture marketing infrastructure, grade, classification and empowerment here, he said there is a need for attracting private capital in order to bring about transparency in the system.

“Though agriculture production has considerably increased after the green revolution, the country’s contribution in the world food market is just 1.6 per cent. The country has got second place in the production of paddy, wheat, onion and sugar cane. It has stood first in cereals. The share is fruit production is 20 per cent. But we have not reached the expected level,” he said.

Since the State government has brought amendments to the APMC Act, the ambitious project of the Central government could be implemented in the State too, he added.

The loss during the post-harvesting process is from 25 to 40 per cent in India, which might be over Rs 30,000 crore worth. This is less than 5 per cent in developed countries, he informed.

Agriculture Marketing Department Assistant Director Shailaja spoke. Chief manager Vishwanath, Venkatesh, Animal Husbandry Assistant Director Dr Suresh, KPA Secretary Anil Savur were present.