Measures to Improve the Agricultural Marketing System
The Indian government has taken several measures to improve the agricultural marketing system. Some of the measures are:
1. Regulated Markets:
Regulated markets or Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) were established to ensure fair prices for the farmers and prevent exploitation by middlemen. The APMCs are responsible for regulating the buying and selling of agricultural products and ensuring that the farmers receive a fair price for their produce and to benefit the consumers too.
2. Infrastructural Facilities:
The government has also focused on developing infrastructural facilities such as storage, transportation, and marketing. Storage facilities such as warehouses and cold storage help in reducing wastage and preserving the quality of the produce. Transportation facilities such as roads, railways, and airports facilitate the movement of agricultural products from one place to another. Marketing facilities, such as mandis and haats provide a platform for farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.
3. Cooperative Marketing:
Cooperative marketing is a system where farmers come together to form a cooperative society and sell their produce collectively. This helps in reducing the dependence on middlemen and ensures a fair price for the farmers. The cooperative societies also provide access to credit and other support services to the farmers.