Modi asks states to alter mandi rules for direct delivery to reduce crowd

Agriculture is a state subject and the Central government has limited powers to ensure implementation of the guidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon state governments to quickly make necessary changes to rules governing their mandis so that direct marketing of farm produce can be done without crowding the markets.

Addressing the chief ministers during a four-hour long meeting to discuss the modalities for extending the lockdown, Modi said that model Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) laws should be reformed swiftly.

“Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep,” the Prime Minister said. The agriculture ministry, in the last few weeks, issued guidelines and letters to states to ensure agriculture and food products reach consumers in