This could be through enacting new or amending their existing APMC (agricultural produce market committee) legislation in line with the Centre’s model acts. A simple reading of these would indicate that laws relating to agricultural produce marketing can only be made by states. While intra-state trade in farm produce is ordinarily under entry 26 of the State List, being a Concurrent subject allows the Centre to also enact legislation. Regulation of first sale of agricultural produce by farmers — whether in mandis or via contract cultivation arrangements — is a “marketing” responsibility of the states, not the Centre. How did the incentive-based push (for a model agricultural produce “marketing” law to be adopted by states) give way to a shove from above (of a farmer’ produce “trade and commerce” ordinance)?

Source: Indian Express December 28, 2020 22:00 UTC