- For the current financial year (2014-15), Karnataka State Govt has launched online trading in various commodities via Rashtriya e-Market Services (ReMS) in 35 major Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets.
- In its first leg, it has been launched in Tiptur, Arsikere, Tumkur and Chamarajanagar markets. This will be followed by Gulbarga, Yadgir, Sedam, Gadag, Bidar, Bijapur, Chitradurga, Challakere, Tumkur and Belgaum markets.
- Although the main purpose was to develop a barrier-free market for farmers, wholesale dealers and traders were now participating in it and comparing prices. This will effectively eliminate the role of middlemen and unfair trade practices.
- States like Odisha, UP and Rajasthan have shown keen interest in the model.
- In 2013-14, collection of tax was Rs. 30 crore. From April 2014, market taxes for fruits and vegetables have been revoked in APMC markets.
- The market fee collected in 2013-14 increased by 15% from previous year.
- Charges from traders and farmers for utilisation of cold storage and warehouse facilities will be collected by the govt.
- To ensure better prices for commodities, commodity-wise meals will be held in different districts.
- A Spice Development board has been set up in Hubli.
- The govt will introduce a new policy to increase horticultural exports from the state.
- Coconut farmers have formed 4 self help groups in Tumkur, Chitradurga and Mandya to exchange information regarding pricing and market trends for coconut.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/launch-of-online-commodity-trading-in-35-apmc-markets-this-year/article6010645.ece
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