Navi Mumbai: The Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Asia’s largest market committee, is set to see its pending issues resolved on priority, announced Minister for Marketing and Protocol, Jayakumar Rawal, during a review meeting.
Minister Rawal stressed upon the importance of collaborative efforts to create exemplary work through this committee, which serves as a vital hub for agricultural trade. “The redevelopment of APMC will be planned with a vision for the next 50 years, completed in phases, and executed at a rapid pace. Within 45 days, concrete decisions will be taken on various pending issues,” he assured.
Rawal highlighted plans to consult Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for a detailed discussion on the committee’s redevelopment and propose measures to enhance its operations. He also proposed organising department-wise agricultural fairs for markets under APMC’s jurisdiction to promote agricultural trade and development.
The minister stressed the need for studying global market committees to adopt best practices and outlined his vision to integrate marketing and protocol departments to make farmer-centric decisions.
“We aim to set a benchmark by providing improved facilities for farmers and traders, aligning with APMC’s stature as Asia’s largest market committee,” he said.
During the meeting, secretary Dr Pandurang Khandagale and chief finance officer Mandar Salvi presented a detailed overview of the APMC’s functioning and proposed redevelopment plans. Various directors voiced their opinions on enhancing current operations, redevelopment strategies, and necessary facilities for stakeholders.
Along with it to support soybean farmers in the state, the registration deadline for soybean purchase has been extended until January 6, 2025, which was originally set for December 31, was made in response to requests from farmers and local representatives. Soybeans purchased from registered farmers will be procured through NAFED and NCCF until January 12.
Under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme, soybeans are being purchased in the state at a guaranteed price of Rs 4,892 per quintal. So far, a record 3,34,331 metric tons of soybean has been procured. Last year, only 7,400 quintals were purchased. This year, farmers have been paid Rs 1,000 crore in compensation. Currently, 561 purchase centres are operational, and 6,69,000 farmers have registered.
