Reforms Recommended: Karnataka Select Committee Advocates Restoring APMC Law

The select committee of the Legislative Council in Karnataka has recommended undoing changes made to the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) by the previous BJP government. The committee’s report, submitted to the House, advocates restoring the old provisions of the APMC Act, including mandatory licensing for traders and APMC jurisdiction for agricultural produce transactions.

Welcomed by APMCs in Kolar, Shivamogga, and Raichur, the move aims to address concerns raised by farmers’ groups and fulfill promises made by the Congress in its election manifesto. The report also outlines 29 recommendations for APMC reforms, including the introduction of online facilities, revival of defunct APMC yards, and strengthening financially weak APMCs.