From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
 
Bangalore, Sep 18: In a farmer friendly gesture, Karnataka has unveiled a comprehensive agricultural marketing policy aimed at fostering competition, capacity building, bringing in transparency and ushering in an era of single unified license.

Karnataka’s Horticulure and Agro Marketing minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who unveiled the policy in Bangalore on Wednesday, said licensing procedures would be simplified and a single licence would be made applicable for participants.

Under the policy, conditions that restrict participation would be removed to increase competition in the auction of the agricultural produce.

The policy envisages adoption of technology required for setting up a comprehensive electronic auction system by regulated markets operating across the State for transparent price determination.

The minster said a state-wide networked virtual market would be established by linking various regulated markets and warehouses would be provided with assaying and grading facilities and other necessary infrastructure.

Farmers and other participants would have the choice to offer and sell in any regulated or private market in the State.

Shivashankarappa said the state government would create an enabling environment to facilitate farmers to avail pledge loans to avoid distress sale.

Processes would be simplified and farmers would get online timely payment into their account, he said.

The policy would enable the farmer to decide when to sell the produce and at what price, with a right to reject the price offered.

Shivashankarappa said the Karnataka Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation and Development) Act, 1966, would be reviewed to facilitate the policy objectives and initiatives.

Steps would also be taken to create a distinct, level-playing regulatory environment for transparent and efficient functioning of agricultural markets in the State, the minister added.