Rajasthan govt approves changes in Rajasthan Agriculture Produce Marketing Act

The Rajasthan government on Thursday approved amendments in the Rajasthan Agriculture Produce Marketing Act, 1961, to strengthen agriculture marketing system and ensure that farmers get better price of their produce.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the government's move is in line with the promises made in the election manifesto to strengthen the agriculture marketing system.

After the amendments, businessmen will be issued licences for direct purchase of agriculture produce from farmers. In addition, the agriculture produce groups and companies will be given licences to purchase agriculture produce directly from farmers.

Currently, under the bylaws of the Act, for direct purchase licence, 500 or 1,000 tonne annual purchase of crops, Rs 50 lakh net worth and security deposit of a day-average purchase is mandatory.

The relief has been provided as farmer producer companies (FPCs) and farmer producer organisations (FPOs) were not capable of fulfilling the provisions. Now, for FPOs or FPCs, the condition of annual purchase of 100 tonne and Rs 1 lakh security has been made. The net worth condition has been removed for FPO and FPC.

The chief minister also approved transfer of Rs 25 crore to the Rajasthan Agriculture Marketing Board to ensure regular pension to retired personnel.

Currently, there are 475 retired personnel and dependents of 125 are given pension. In future, the Board has to provide pension to 1,000 personnel. With the transfer of the funds, the Board will not be requiring any grants from the state government.

Gehlot also sanctioned 18.73 crore for hostels under Devnarayan Model hostel scheme at Kuchaman City (Nagaur), Chauth Ka Barwada (Sawai Madhopur) and Begu (Chittorgarh). He also approved Rs 11.38 crore for the operation of residential school in Bharatpur, where classes will be held from Class VI to XII.