No leaders in state market committees

Hyderabad: Markets will soon go hi-tech and their committees will henceforth have only farmers on its board and not netas! It is a part of the state government’s efforts to revamp the marketing set-up in the state. Apart from ensuring that farmers get the right price, the state will ensure quick purchase of commodities, irregularities, provide basic amenities in market yards.

It also decided to launch e-tendering and e-marketing facilities at all market yards in the state. “Henceforth agriculture market committee will have farmers on board and not others. We will ensure basic amenities in all market yards and ensure farmers get the right price without hassle. Towards this we are planning e-tendering and e-marketing,” said irrigation minister T. Harish Rao.

Agriculture market committees had been in the thick of controversy over delay in purchases of farm produce, delay in payment, appointment of politicians in the committees among others. Mr. Rao, who discussed the implementation of rythu bandhu scheme with department officials and others at Telugu University,  said the government would also provide rest rooms, canteens, and computerise the set-up to ensure quick purchase and sale.

"We have seen how farmers suffer at market yards. There is long delay in purchases. The commodities get damaged due to rains since there are no proper storage facilities. Traders form syndicates and force farmers to sell commodities at throwaway price. Farmers should get the right price and the money should be straightaway deposited in their bank accounts," he remarked.

Mr. Rao received several suggestions from farmers and representatives of market yards across the state. Stating that the government has decided to enhance farm mechanisation aid from Rs 72 crore to Rs 132 crore, he disclosed that the government was also planning to allow farmers to purchase the best farm equipment at the outlets of their choice and check supply of poor quality of equipment.