Jaykumar Rawal Urges National Push for Farmer Welfare and APMC Modernization
Maharashtra’s Minister for Marketing and Protocol, Jaykumar Rawal, has called for an urgent high-level meeting between Central and State Ministers to address pressing challenges in agricultural marketing, farmer income security, and the modernization of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs).
Speaking in New Delhi after a meeting with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rawal outlined the need for a coordinated approach to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and boost post-harvest efficiency.
Challenges Facing Farmers
Rawal noted that production of crops such as onions, pulses, oranges, pomegranates, bananas, and flowers has surged in recent years. However, the absence of robust market systems, insufficient storage facilities, and outdated infrastructure has meant farmers often fail to secure fair prices for their produce.
He stressed that post-harvest losses remain a significant drain on farmers’ earnings, weakening both household incomes and the broader agricultural economy.
Proposals for Fair Remuneration
To bridge these gaps, Rawal suggested a range of measures including:
- A Special Support Scheme to stabilize farmer incomes during price fluctuations.
- Decentralized Scientific Storage Facilities to minimize spoilage and reduce transportation burdens.
- Cold Chain Infrastructure to preserve perishable goods for longer market reach.
- Digital Inventory Management for better monitoring of stock and distribution.
- Efficient Logistics Systems to link farms to markets swiftly and cost-effectively.
He also emphasized the importance of a unified market information network to deliver real-time production and pricing data, enabling both farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions.
Modernizing APMCs
Highlighting the outdated infrastructure in many APMCs, Rawal proposed a Central Government-backed modernization scheme covering:
- Covered auction platforms for weather-proof transactions.
- Grading and weighing systems to ensure transparent pricing.
- Cold storage and dry warehouses to extend shelf life.
- Packaging centers and waste management facilities to add value and reduce loss.
- Small agro-processing units on unused APMC land to diversify income streams.
He also recommended technical training, subsidies, and stronger digital integration, particularly with platforms like e-NAM, to make APMCs more accessible and efficient.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Rawal believes that convening a high-level Centre-State meeting would pave the way for a concrete action plan to protect farmers’ livelihoods, enhance agricultural efficiency, and position India as a global leader in sustainable farming.
According to him, investing in infrastructure, technology, and farmer-friendly policies will not only strengthen rural economies but also secure India’s standing in international agricultural markets.