They will now be eligible for interest subvention for loans up to ₹2 crore, with APMCs allowed to access separate loans for different kinds of infrastructure projects to build cold storage, silos, sorting, grading and assaying units in their market yards. Briefing journalists on the Cabinet decision, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said this was proof that “APMC will not end”. Thousands of protesting farmers have been calling for a repeal of three farm reform laws passed by Parliament last year. In many States, the APMC yards are also the location for government procurement of crops at minimum support prices (MSP). Appeal to farm unionsHe appealed to the protesting farm unions to end their agitation and resume talks with the government for possible amendment of provisions in the three laws.

Source: The Hindu July 08, 2021 17:04 UTC