What is the New Agriculture Bill 2020? Check-out these Must-Know Facts about APMC

Amid strong protests done by the opposition parties, three agriculture bills got passed by the Lok Sabha in the present monsoon session. The country is witnessing huge protests by the farmers.

From the state of Punjab and Haryana farmers have been protesting against the latest agriculture policy. ‘Rail roko’ agitation across the state has been announced by the Punjab farmers’ body from September 24th to 26th 2020.

What is the new agriculture bill? Why is so much protest taking place against it? What are the important facts to know about farmers bill 2020 for the upcoming UPSC IAS exam? Let’s check it out one by one.

What are the Newly Passed Agriculture Ordinance in 2020?

Bill 1

Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 – this was introduced by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

This farm bill 2020 let the intra and interstate farmers produce even outside the premises of APMC markets without paying any extra market free, cess or levy as State governments are prohibited from levying any of those.

Bill 2

Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill 2020 – this was also introduced by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

This farmers bill 2020 aims for framing contractual farming between a buyer and farmer, through an agreement. This should be done before the production of any agro product. Three-tier dispute settlement framework is provided here – Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the conciliation board and Appellate Authority.

Bill 3

The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill – this was introduced by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve.

This agriculture ordinance 2020 empowers the Government of India to control the supply of particular agro-food products under unusual situations like war. In case of a steep hike of price, stock limits can be applied on farm products.

Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020

How does it help?

Removal of barriers for Intra/ inter-state business of agricultural products.
Farmers can sell their product to anyone coming from anywhere.
Seamless electronic trade is supported here.
Encourages ending the monopoly of traders.
Increased competition among consumers or buyers.
Farmers get better and return thus increasing income rate.
Free movement of agro products from surplus to deficit regions.
This farm bill 2020 creates a national market.
End consumer gets better items at cheaper prices.

Want to know more about New Agriculture Bill 2020, click here