Agricultural Market: Definition, Evolution, and Working of APMC Mandis in India
An agricultural market refers to a system or platform where farmers, traders, and consumers come together to buy and sell agricultural produce.
Agricultural Market: Definition, Evolution, and Working of APMC Mandis in India 1. Definition of Agricultural Market An agricultural market refers to a system or platform where farmers, traders, and consumers come together to buy and sell agricultural produce. It includes: Physical marketplaces (e.g., APMC mandis) Digital platforms (e.g., e-NAM) Direct farmer-to-consumer transactions Objectives of Agricultural Markets: ✅ Ensure fair pricing for farmers
✅ Facilitate efficient distribution of farm produce
✅ Improve market accessibility for farmers and consumers 2. Evolution of Agricultural Markets in India The evolution of agricultural markets in India can be divided into four major phases: A. Pre-Independence Era (Before 1947) Markets were unorganized and localized. Farmers sold produce directly to consumers or through middlemen. Exploitation was rampant due to lack of price regulation. B. Post-Independence Era (1950s–1980s) The government introduced the APMC Act in the 1960s to regulate markets. APMC…