Indian farmers to get vote in ag produce committees
The committees take decisions on prices and issues faced by the farmers who sell their produce to licensed traders at the marketing yards. However, the electorate comprises only traders and members of gram panchayats, local development societies and cooperative societies, which are run by local politicians. As a result, these market committees are run by local politicians, traders and 'agriculturists', with no farmers' representatives on board.
"These committees were formed for the benefit of farmers so that their produce can be marketed well and better prices can be fetched. However, over the years the main goal has been forgotten and they are working for personal profits," a senior official said. Experts say this move may help in keeping prices under check. He also said that by giving farmers voting rights, the BJP wants to wrest control of these markets from the NCP-Congress which controls most of these committees.
"Farmers will be able to be a part of the administration of the committees and have a greater say in running the APMCs, which were formulated for their benefit," another official said.
source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
