Punjab Assembly Rejects Draft National Policy on Agriculture Marketing, CM Bhagwant Mann Criticizes Centre’s Alleged Anti-Farmer Policies

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took a strong stance against the Centre, accusing it of implementing policies detrimental to farmers’ interests. During an intense discussion in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the state government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, introduced a resolution rejecting the Draft National Policy on Agriculture Marketing. The resolution received unanimous support, with members from all parties standing together to oppose the proposed policy.

The absence of two BJP legislators during the crucial two-hour-long discussion raised eyebrows, especially as the policy in question has sparked concerns over its impact on Punjab’s agrarian economy. Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition benches denounced the move, asserting that agricultural marketing falls under state jurisdiction. They criticized the policy as an unwarranted intrusion by the central government, arguing that it goes against the principles of federalism and the constitutional framework that safeguards states’ autonomy over agricultural matters.

A major point of contention was the draft policy’s inclination toward promoting private markets, which legislators believe would undermine the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system. The fear expressed across party lines was that this shift would gradually render APMC mandis obsolete, leading to the weakening of state-controlled agricultural trade. The policymakers of Punjab stressed that such an approach would pave the way for corporate dominance in the agricultural sector, stripping farmers of their bargaining power and making them vulnerable to exploitation.

The Vidhan Sabha members reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests of Punjab’s farmers, a community that has played a crucial role in India’s food security. By rejecting the Centre’s proposed framework, the assembly sent a strong message emphasizing that any interference in agriculture marketing will not be tolerated. The unanimous opposition reflects the collective resolve of Punjab’s leadership to safeguard the traditional agricultural structure, ensuring that farmers are not left at the mercy of private entities.

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