Jharkhand Agriculture Mandis to Get Model Infrastructure

A comprehensive review meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey at Nepal House, Ranchi, focused on strengthening the state’s agriculture mandis, addressing infrastructure gaps, and improving facilities for farmers and traders. The meeting was convened following a request from the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) to take urgent action on prevailing difficulties in the mandis.

The meeting saw participation from key officials including Agriculture Secretary Abubakar Siddique, Director of Agriculture Bhor Singh Yadav, Board Chairman Ravindra Singh, Managing Director of Marketing Board Jison Kumar, secretaries of all market committees, INEM nodal officers, city DSP, district chamber representatives, and farmer delegates.

Infrastructure Gaps and Operational Challenges

During the marathon session, the FJCCI highlighted critical gaps in mandi infrastructure. Traders reported issues such as encroachment, poor sanitation, non-functional street lights, inadequate drinking water, lack of CCTV coverage, and dilapidated roads. Ranchi Chamber President Sanjay Mahuri expressed concern that most mandis fail to attract farmers for produce sale, undermining the very purpose of market committees.

A recurring challenge raised was the disruption caused during election counting, where warehouses and shops under market committees are commandeered, halting trade for months. The chamber requested alternative arrangements to prevent business losses during such periods.

Financial Resources for Mandi Development

FJCCI suggested utilizing the 387 crore rupees fixed deposit held by market committees to fund infrastructure improvements rather than letting the money lie idle. Chamber officials emphasized that repairing warehouses and shops would allow traders to operate efficiently while boosting revenue for the boards. They also raised concerns over broken boundary walls, which allow encroachment, and questioned accountability for recurring thefts within mandis.

Promoting Inclusive Growth

A significant point of discussion was support for women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FBOs). Minister Tirkey assured that women entrepreneurs would be given priority for shops and warehouses in mandis, underlining the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

Accountability and Governance Reforms

The minister expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of market committee secretaries and overall mandi management. She instructed the Managing Director of the Marketing Board to take immediate corrective measures. Secretaries were directed to submit structured proposals for phased improvements, including dedicated platforms for farmers, better security arrangements, and active promotion of village-level INEM training camps.

Coordinated Action Plan

Agriculture Secretary Siddique stressed the need for secretaries to proactively implement reforms, noting that Jharkhand once ranked among the best-performing states in mandi management. Secretaries were urged to ensure functional arrangements in high-density farmer areas and to explore weekend haat markets to facilitate wider access.

Way Forward

The meeting concluded with Minister Tirkey reiterating her commitment to develop Pandra Mandi as a model agriculture market. Steps include improved infrastructure, better security, women-focused facilities, and enhanced coordination with district authorities. FJCCI Secretary General Rohit Agrawal expressed gratitude for the minister’s decisive approach, noting that these reforms would benefit both traders and farmers across Jharkhand.

Key participants included FJCCI President Aditya Malhotra, Vice President Praveen Lohia, Secretary General Rohit Agrawal, Joint Secretary Navjot Alang, Treasurer Anil Agrawal, along with district chamber representatives from Khunti, Dhanbad, Dumka, Garhwa, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Jainamod, Bokaro, and farmer delegates.