In a major overhaul of Maharashtra's agricultural marketing system, the state government has accorded the status of "Market of National Importance" to the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), bringing the country's largest wholesale agricultural market under a new regulatory and administrative framework.
Following the decision, Marketing Minister Jayakumar Rawal on Tuesday, June 2, took charge as the chairman of the newly declared market of national importance at the APMC headquarters in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
The decision follows a notification issued by the state government on May 29 under the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Market (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963.
As part of this transition, the existing board of directors of Navi Mumbai APMC has been dissolved. The administration of the market will now function as per the provisions applicable to a market of national importance.
Officials said the decision is aimed at further strengthening Mumbai's role as a major agricultural trading and distribution centre of national importance.
The market handles a large volume of fruits, vegetables, grains and other agricultural commodities from various parts of Maharashtra and across the country.
This is expected to lead to improved integration of agri-trade networks, enhanced market infrastructure and more opportunities for agricultural exports.
The move is also aimed at equipping Mumbai's wholesale market ecosystem to compete more effectively in an increasingly globalised agri-trade environment.