Controlling agri product inflation

[shosen]

We all experince the financial constriants to meet the increasing price of all agri products like vegetables, fruits etc. By and large, everyone expresses that the central govt failed to control the same with effective policies. But in practice, it is only partially correct.

In 2003, the Govt. of India passed a model act under the name Agriculatural Produce Marketing Committee Act and advised all the states and UTs to adopt this model and introduce the act. The agri products are coming under the State subject and the respective state government only has the power to monitor and control.

It is very sad to note that only Bihar government passed this act and non else accepted this advice. This act facilitates the farmers for free movement of Veg. and fruits to the open market instead of through local marketing committees. The existing illeagal cartel system from the middlemen agents fix the price and procure from the farmers and sell them at an attractive price.

Some of the states provide facilities like Uzhavar Santhai (Farmers Market) to market their harvested produces, but the benefit goes to minimum level only.

Hence, it is high time that the respective state govts. should pass this model act to reduce or control the increase in price of veg., Fruits etc.

Shobana Senthilnathan