Date:29/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/29/stories/2005032902551700.htm

Back Bill to reform farm marketing sector in AP

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , March 28

WITH an objective of implementing legal reforms in the agricultural marketing sector, the Andhra Pradesh Government has come out with a Bill that seeks to amend the A.P. (Agricultural Produce and Livestock) Markets Act, 1966.

The Bill, introduced in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, provides for enforcement of contract farming, establishment of private market yards and special markets, setting up of national integrated produce markets for the National Dairy Development Board and a change in the composition of the existing Agricultural Market Committees.

As per the provisions of the Bill, the number of members of the AMCs in the State will be raised to 18, including growers, traders and ex-officio members. There will also be five representatives from schedules castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes, minorities and women in the 14 nominated members of the committees.

The Centre has sent the draft model legislation to all States for implementing agricultural reforms.