Punjab gives inputs to agri marketing panel for 12th Plan

Development of bulk handling system, ultra modern market, collection centres and cold chain logistics are some of the suggestions put by Punjab during the first meeting of the working group on agriculture marketing, infrastructure, secondary agriculture and policy required for internal and external trade for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). This will not only help the farmer as they will get better remuneration but also the consumers at large.

It is worth mentioning that recently the Planning Commission has constituted a working group to identify the bottlenecks in the internal agricultural trade and make recommendations for development of agricultural marketing.

In addition to this, to review the working of agricultural markets, wholesale mandis and commodity boards, agricultural produce marketing committee have been recommended to be set up.

The working group will submit its report to the Planning Commission by June 2011 and the final draft by September 2011. Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal has been appointed as one of the member of the working group by the Planning Commission (Agriculture Division).

Lakhowal is a part of the sub group that will give its suggestions related to agricultural marketing. In order to strengthen it, Lakhowal added, as agricultural produce being seasonal, in bulk and perishable is sold immediately after the harvesting. Procurement operation is carried out at that time. Markets are used for a maximum period of three months and some even less than that.

In order to handle this large quantum of produce in a short span, huge infrastructure and manpower is required. To overcome with this difficulty this procurement operation will be carried out throughout the year. The procurement price should be made month-wise, storage and handling charges should be added to the procurement price every month and passed on to the farmers.

A viable scheme for small and marginal farmers must be framed that they should store the produce and sell after the season. It will save the cost of construction, maintenance of huge infrastructure and optimum use throughout the year, requiring less manpower, scientific handling of produce, reduction in losses and more.