Punjab CM urges Modi to review ordinances on farm sector

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review three ordinances promulgated by the Centre in connection with the agriculture sector.

Underlining in a letter to Modi the need for Centre-states cooperation for the collective good of all Ind, the Chief Minister sought reconsideration of ordinances that permitted trade in agricultural produce outside the physical boundaries of agricultural markets under the APMC Act, eased restrictions under the Essential Commodities Act, and facilitated contract farming.

"All three should be revisited keeping in view the concerns and interests of farmers," Amarinder Singh said, seeking protection of farmers' interests at all times.

Further, he pointed out, agriculture is a state subject, as entry 14 on the State List in the Constitution.

On the other hand, trade and commerce feature as entry 33 of the Concurrent List, which enables both the Union and states to legislate on such matter provided the state legislation is not repugnant to the central legislation.

Referring to the specific ordinances, the Chief Minister said the agricultural produce marketing system in Punjab had stood the test of time and served the state and the country well over the last 60 years.

He said it had, in fact, been an important contributor to the Green Revolution's success, adding it had helped ensure food security and secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers and farm workers.

The development of crop production technology for wheat and paddy as well as its dissemination, supported by assured procurement at minimum support price by the Food Corporation of India in notified markets, has played a key role in building buffer stocks and making India self-reliant, he said.

( With inputs from IANS )