Experts question provisions of Centre's three agri market reform ordinances

Lack of mandatory written contracts, provision to invoke controlling powers among many bones of contention

A day after the Centre promulgated three ordinances to free up inter-state trade in agricultural commodities, provide a regulatory framework for contract farming and amend the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, experts raised several questions on some key provisions of the Acts. However, the Centre’s move has largely been welcomed.

Amendment to Essential Commodities Act

One big point of discord that relates to the amendments to the Essential Commodities Act is the provision to invoke its controlling powers on exempted food items. That is, 100 per cent increase in retail price of horticulture produce or 50 per cent increase in retail price of