Maharashtra forms panel to tackle WTO challenges

Sanjay Jog

Mumbai, Dec 21: Responding to a wake-up call given by the industry for taking up challenges in the WTO regime, the Maharashtra government has set up a high-level committee headed by agricultural minister Rohidas Patil and co-chaired by Hindustan Lever chairman MS Banga.

The panel, which has been asked to submit its report in two months, would also have to make suggestions on measures for increasing the agricultural income, upgrading basic amenities and infrastructure and amending the existing agricultural policy, laws and rules.

The committee also comprises minister for marketing Ganpatrao Deshmukh, minister for horticulture Ajit Pawar, industries secretary, Mukand Ltd chairman Suketu Shah, Godrej Industries managing director (MD) Nadir Godrej, Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation MD Nasir Munji, Bharat Forge chairman Baba Kalyani, Tata Steel director Raju Dube and Walchand Capital chairman Pallavi Jha among others.

State government sources told The Financial Express that the government was convinced that a large scale investments in the global competition era would have to be encouraged especially in agri business, agro processing, exports and upgradation of infrastructure. However, such investment would be possible only after making sweeping amendments to the current agricultural policy and rules.

Sources said that the government also shares Mr Banga’s views on the development of international markets for agricultural and horticultural produce at a competitive price for the farming community. The government was also aware that the tilling community was not getting its due market price for its products compared to other industries.

Sources said that the decision to form the committee was set up following the presentation made by Mr Banga on November 12 to the state cabinet. The HLL chairman had strongly emphasised the need for sustainably accelerating agricultural growth for regenerating demand across the economy.