e-Choupal launched to provide alternate markets to farmers

New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) An 'e-Choupal initiative' has been launched in the country to provide an alternate market to farmers to take decisions to sell their agricultural produce on the basis of the information made available about the rates in different wholesale markets, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Sahu said in a written reply that ITC Limited a private company with the help of 'e-Choupal initiative' is endeavouring to bring development in the rural areas.

The Minister said the Government has approved the Common Service Centers (CSC) Scheme on September 26, 2006 for establishment of more than 100,000 Broadband and Internet enabled CSCs across rural India on a Public-Private Partnership model. The CSCs are envisioned as the front end delivery points for Government, private and social sector services to rural people.

The Department of Agriculture&Cooperation has formulated a Model Law in consultation with the State Governments on agricultural marketing to promote direct marketing, contract farming and setting up of markets in private and cooperative sector, Mr Sahu said.

This Model Act has been circulated to all the States/UTs to amend their Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act (APMC Act) suitably, wherever required, as suggested in the Model Act, he added.

UNI