Sinha blames states for tardy progress in agri reforms

Our Economic Bureau

New Delhi, Dec 10: State governments ought to take more initiative in the matter of creating a common market and futures trading in agricultural goods.

Finance minister Yashwant Sinha said on Monday at the consultative committee attached to his ministry that states were to blame for the slow progress in agricultural reforms.

“Agriculture and food management will continue to be the focus areas of the government. Agriculture being a state subject, the Centre has to work in tandem with states in implementing any reforms in this sector,” he told the members. Expressing concern at the pace of reforms, he said, “The desired level of progress could not be achieved in food procurement and distribution because the state governments response to the Centre’s initiatives is not forthcoming.”

Despite the formation of a joint decision making body comprising of chief ministers, Mr Sinha said, “A common market for agricultural produce remains an area of concern because of continued restrictions at the state level.”