An expert committee has suggested repeal of Essential Commodities Act (ECA) and review of 27 other Acts to revamp the agro-marketing structure and pave the way for private agri-markets.
Revamp of the present marketing structure will require Rs 2,70,000 crore, with the private sector likely to invest Rs 1,36,430 crore. Creation of a conducive environment with Rs 86,501 crore investment by the Centre and Rs 45,811 crore by the states, less regulatory control and simple procedure are required to attain viability, the committee headed by S L Guru said.
The panel suggested review of the Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1937, 1986, Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1955, Bureau of Indian Standards Act, Labour Laws and the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act 1963.
The committee which presented its report to agriculture minister Nitish Kumar today, said
