Odisha Cabinet Approves New Agricultural Marketing Law to Create Unified Statewide Market

Key facts

• The Odisha Cabinet approved a new agricultural marketing law to replace the Odisha Agricultural Produce Markets (OAPM) Act, 1956.
• The new law removes geographical restrictions on the sale and purchase of agricultural produce to create a unified statewide market.
• It provides for a single-point levy of market fees and a single trading licence valid across the state.
• The legislation promotes direct marketing, electronic trading, and e-auctions to improve price discovery.
• Warehouses, cold storages, and silos will be recognized as market sub-yards to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure.
• The law seeks to integrate small and marginal farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and self-help groups.
• It separates regulatory and developmental functions and encourages greater participation of women in market committees.