Bathinda: Farmer forum Bharat Krishak Samaj (BKS) chairman Ajay Vir Jakhar participated in pre-budget discussions on agriculture held by Union finance ministry on Saturday, with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the chair.
The Bharat Krishak Samaj stated that the govt has in the past tried to reform agricultural markets, but the complexity to reform the sector by enacting new laws or councils has only increased over time. “The most problematic area is perishable horticulture produce (fruits and vegetables). Uniform taxation in the agricultural markets (like GST) will pave the way for improved governance, systems efficiency, mitigation of food inflation and price fluctuations, ignite entrepreneurial spirits to drive competition to benefit farmers and consumers,” said a statement released by the body. Jahkar also claimed that agri research system has failed to meet expectations.