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APMC amendment yielding results

Private yards at a cost of Rs 100 cr to come up at Kolar, Hassan, Mysore and Belgaum
Last Updated 06 June 2009, 17:47 IST

So far four private firms have obtained licences to purchase agro-products directly from growers, while a Delhi-based firm has initiated process to set up private market yards in four places. Agriculture Marketing Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, speaking to reporters in Bangalore on Saturday, said that Mangalore Chemical Fertilisers, Reliance Fresh, Metro Cash and Carry and Nilgiris have obtained licences to purchase agro-products directly from farmers.

Before the APMC act was amended the private firms were not allowed to purchase agriculture produces directly from farmers. The minister said that the firms had been given licenses to purchase produces. However, they can sell the products either inside the country or export the same.

Premier Farms Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based firm, has obtained clearance from the State Government to set up private market yards in Kolar, Hassan, Mysore and Belgaum.  The firm would be investing about Rs 100 crore on each and develop them in over 100 acres of land. The investors would get 25 per cent of the total investment as subsidy, he said.
The minister replying to a question said that with the entry of private players, the farmers would get good price for their products.

Amendments

The minister said that the State Government would bring in amendments to APMC (Control and Development) Act 1966 and Rules 1968 to award reservation for SC, ST, OBCs and women in the posts of presidents and vice presidents of APMCs.
As per the proposal SCs would get 15 per cent reservation, STs-5 per cent, OBCs -15 per cent and women-15 per cent as it has been practiced in local bodies. The government would bring in an amendment to fix the term of president and vice president of APMC to 20-months instead of five years. In addition, an amendment would be brought in making support of two-third majority in favour of no-confidence motion to oust the incumbent president or vice president.

At present a simple majority is enough to oust the incumbents. The minister said that the cabinet would take a final decision on the amendments before tabling the same in the legislature in the next session.

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(Published 06 June 2009, 17:47 IST)

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