M'shtra to amend APMC Act

Maharashtra government will pave the way for the entry of contract farming in the state by amending the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act and will lay down rules for protecting farmers' rights.

Maharashtra agriculture minister Rana Patil said on the sidelines of the the 6th Baramati Initiative that the amended APMC Act will be presented to the state legislative assembly in its forthcoming Budget session.

"Contract farming will benefit farmers by ensuring crop diversification and better marketing support, but care must be taken to ensure that farmers are not exploited by unscrupulous parties. The amendment will ensure strict action against those who will cheat farmers," he said.

Another benefit of amending the APMC Act is that the state will be eligible for funding under the National Horticulture Mission's programmes, Patil added.

Patil said the state may have to welcome partnership from private sector to oversee crop diversification initiative, and invite private players to take up districts and crops under some kind of guardianship.

"That can accelerate the agricultural progress in state," he said, adding, "he may move a concept note on this issue for the Cabinet consideration soon."

Elaborating on the state's plan to compensate farmers who suffering losses from untimely showers on Thursday, he said the process of assessing the extent of losses was underway and official estimates would be ready in a week.

Patil added the state may extend support under the existing norms of financial help in natural calamities.