Correct Answer: Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Regulating agricultural marketing in specified areas.

APMC is a statutory body established by state governments in India to regulate and supervise the marketing of agricultural produce within designated market areas. The main objective of APMC is to ensure fair trade practices, protect the interests of farmers, and provide a transparent platform for buying and selling agricultural commodities.

The key functions of the APMC include:

1. Regulating market practices: APMCs regulate the buying, selling, and storage of agricultural produce in designated market yards or mandis. They enforce rules and regulations to prevent unfair practices, ensure transparency in transactions, and protect farmers from exploitation.

2. Setting up market infrastructure: APMCs establish and maintain market yards, auction platforms, warehouses, cold storage facilities, and other necessary infrastructure for the smooth functioning of agricultural markets.

3. Price discovery: APMCs facilitate price discovery mechanisms through transparent auctions, negotiations, and competitive bidding processes. They provide a platform where buyers and sellers can interact and determine fair prices for agricultural produce.

4. Quality control and grading: APMCs enforce quality standards for agricultural commodities and provide grading services to ensure consistency and reliability in the quality of produce traded in the markets.

5. Collection of market fees and charges: APMCs collect market fees, levies, and charges from buyers and sellers as per the state regulations. These fees contribute to the maintenance and development of market infrastructure.