New Oversight on APMC: Political Control Tightened in Maharashtra’s Agricultural Markets

The Maharashtra government:
has recently taken a decisive step to centralize control over major Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) by placing them under the direct supervision of the state Marketing Minister. Markets with an annual turnover exceeding 80,000 tons and those receiving produce from multiple states are now classified as “Markets of National Importance.”

Previously, influential political figures, including NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, maintained strong control over key market committees, especially in Mumbai and Pune. The new ordinance aims to bring greater transparency and centralized oversight, while also signaling a political shift toward the ruling BJP.

Under the ordinance, the Marketing Minister will serve as the chairperson of all such APMCs, with the Marketing Minister of State as vice-chairperson. Members will also include the Agriculture Commissioner, Director of Marketing, executive director of the State Marketing Board, as well as local farmer and trader representatives.

The ordinance, part of the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development & Regulation) Act, 1963, also mandates swift implementation and infrastructure improvements in the markets. Analysts view this as a dual move to ensure transparency and consolidate political influence over key agricultural trade hubs.