Sahaya raps Jharkhand government for not having APMC act

Jamshedpur, Aug 5 (UNI) Union minister of state for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay has lambasted the ruling UPA government in Jharkhand for not having the Agriculture Proudce Marketing Commodities (APMC) Act and stressed the need for such legislation for benefit of the farmers.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here last night, Mr Sahay said about 18 states had already enfored the APMC Act and their farmers were reaping the harvest. He opined the farmers of this state were being deprived for not having such provision of comprehensive perishable commodities policy.

Mr Sahay alleged that a number of Central projects could not be implemented here due to the state government's lackadaisical attitude. He said notwithstanding the state government's stand, the Centre had drawn plans to set up mega food park at a cost of Rs four crore and the Centre would provide all sorts of help to the state to implement the project.

The minister said for the lack of investment-friendly policy the investors were reluctant to pump money in the state.

To a question Mr Sahay said the retailers would not be looser with the entry of the big companies like Reliance Fresh in the field of agro products. The retail traders could make profit through supply chains, he suggested.

UNI