Farmers need APMCs, says professor

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, former professor Dr Venkat Reddy said that the purchase and sale of farmers’ produce at APMCs will help in maintaining healthy competition in market prices.

He was speaking at an interaction between farmers and experts, organised by Puttari Ritha Utpadakara Samsthe at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikoppa, on new agricultural laws.

The transactions at APMCs should continue, the expert said and added that if APMCs stop functioning, the farmers have no other option than to sell their produce at the rates prescribed by corporate companies.

Therefore, provision to buy and sell the produces should be continued in the APMCs, for the benefit of the farmers, he said.

International Crops Research Institute, Hyderabad, former scientist Dr Arun Ballamati said that through online purchases, 66% of the amount should be paid online by the farmers immediately towards transplantation of seeds bought by them.

The rest of the amount should be paid within one month. As more stress has been laid on e-market, the bribery in various departments during the process will reduce to a great extent. The benefit will directly reach the farmers, he added.

Puttari Raita Utpadakara Samsthe Niyamita president Kallangada Subbaiah, vice president Mukkatira Cariappa, CEO Hottengada Rana Ponnanna, KVK chairman Dr Saju George and subject expert Dr Prabhakar were present.