Agri reforms-2021

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 aims to create a national framework to protect farmers and allow them to do business directly with private buyers. The bill is meant to empower farmers and allow them to engage in contracts for future farm produce sales. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed support for the bills, stating they will free farmers from middlemen. However, farmer organizations are concerned the bills will weaken the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees and threaten the minimum support price system. While the bills aim to reduce government interference and allow private trade, there are concerns about a lack of consultation and proper regulation in non-APMC markets.