ASSOCHAM invited policy makers and industry sectors to discuss One Nation, One Agriculture market. The purpose of this recently issued ordinance is to create additional business opportunities outside the APMC market so that farmers can get remunerative prices due to additional competition. Mr. PK in the web conference Swain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, said on the policy changes that the government was constantly monitoring the agriculture sector and that these changes have not come abruptly, but strategic steps have been taken for these policy changes. The value chain has now become market-based, based on the earlier supply. Shri Sagar Kaushik, COO, UPL Limited said that amendment in the Essential Commodities Act will give a boost to the agricultural sector. The decisions taken by the government are inline with Self-reliant India and Make in India Mission. Farmers are now at liberty to sell their produce and the market is opened to better prices. Mr. G. Chandrasekhar, Senior Editor and Policy Commentator conducted the discussion to bring out the industry's attitude towards policy changes. Dr. Murali Manohar Krishna, Director, GD Foods (TOPS) and Mr. Sharat Mulukutla, Chief Business Officer, Agri Bazaar supported the ordinance and noted that farmers can now focus on the quality of their produce. Buyers / Procurers now have a wide range of options on agricultural produce based on quality standards, price and seasonal availability. Mr. Shom Chatterjee, Head - Procurement and Logistics, ITC Foods Division, noted, “Small and effective supply chains can now be built which also reduce wastage across channels. Mr. Rajveer Rathi, Head, Agricultural Policy and Stakeholder Affairs, Bayer Crop Science, while speaking on the government's decision said that the decision has been welcomed by both industry and farmers. There were restrictions for farmers in selling agricultural produce outside the notified APMC market yard. Farmers were restricted to selling produce only to registered licensees of state governments. In addition, due to the proliferation of various APMC legislations implemented by the state governments, obstacles existed in the free flow of agricultural produce between different states. Mr. Allen Mukherjee, NCDEX while talking on commodities trade said that our platforms will empower farmers / traders to protect their interests at prices; Also, market capitalization will help curb your risk of falling prices. The amendment of the Essential Commodities Act has opened up a lot of opportunities for the agricultural sector. Recent policy changes on inter-state agricultural trade, direct marketing and amendment of the Essential Commodities Act have opened up India's agricultural sector. It has opened more options for the farmer, will reduce marketing costs for the farmers and help them get better prices. Ms. Nirupama Sharma, Joint Director and Agriculture Division, Assocham, summarized the web conference, stating, “The ordinance aims to create additional business opportunities outside the APMC market to provide remunerative prices to farmers due to the added competition. It will also supplement the existing MSP procurement system which is providing stable income to the farmers. " This will surely pave the way for creating One India, One Agriculture Market and will lay the foundation for ensuring a golden crop for our hard working farmers. Source: krishakjagat, 18 july 2020. If you find this information useful, like it and share it with your friends.