Lok Sabha passes 2 contentious farmer bills via voice vote

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed two contentious agricultural legislations. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, were passed through voice vote. Moving the bills in the Lower House, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said they are aimed at making farming profitable and clarified that these bills would not have any impact on the Minimum Support Price mechanism which will continue. He further assured that these legislations would not encroach upon the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee Acts of the states.