Tue Feb 25 11:13:40 UTC 2025: ## Punjab Assembly Rejects Central Agricultural Marketing Policy, Calls it a Backdoor Revival of Repealed Farm Laws

**Chandigarh, [Date]** – The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution today condemning the Centre’s draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, alleging it is a veiled attempt to reinstate the controversial farm laws repealed in 2021. The resolution, moved by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, argues the policy undermines state rights and threatens the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system.

The resolution claims the policy favors private markets, potentially jeopardizing the transparent and regulated environment of APMC mandis which currently safeguard farmers’ interests. It asserts that the shift towards private markets would leave farmers vulnerable to exploitation. The Assembly urged the Punjab government to strongly oppose the policy and protect the state’s APMC system.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, participating in the debate, reiterated the state’s rejection of the draft policy, stating Punjab will not allow its rights to be encroached upon. He further criticized the Centre for withholding the state’s rural development funds. The resolution was passed in the absence of two BJP MLAs. While the central government aims to create a “vibrant marketing ecosystem,” Punjab views the policy as a direct threat to its farmers and its autonomy in agricultural policy.

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