Punjab Rejects Central Government’s Agricultural Marketing Policy Draft. The Punjab government has officially rejected the Agricultural Marketing Policy draft issued by the central government, labeling it as an attempt to reintroduce contentious provisions from the repealed farm laws of 2021. In a letter to the central government, Punjab emphasized that agriculture is a state subject under Entry 28, List II of Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution, and such policy decisions should be left to state governments.
The state government criticized the draft for being silent on the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a lifeline for Punjab’s farmers. It also objected to provisions promoting private markets over the state’s market committees, which it claimed would harm Punjab’s mandi system and rural infrastructure. Additionally, the draft proposed capping mandi fees, promoting contract farming, and designating private silos as open market yards, which the Punjab government strongly opposed.
Stakeholders Voice Opposition
The draft, released by the central government on November 25, faced immediate backlash in Punjab. Farmers, commission agents, and other stakeholders rejected it, with many accusing it of undermining the state’s agricultural framework. Farmers, in particular, announced plans to protest against the proposed policy.
In response, Punjab sought additional time from the central government and conducted consultations with various stakeholders. After reviewing the input, the state finalized its decision to reject the draft.
Central Government’s Stance
While the Punjab government criticized the draft for undermining state rights and MSP, the Union Agriculture Ministry defended it as a measure to address challenges in agricultural marketing. The ministry argued that the draft aimed to digitize and simplify trade while implementing reforms to improve marketing practices.
Despite these assurances, the Punjab government and farmers remain firm in their opposition, with the latter planning to intensify their agitation against the proposed policy.
