Karnataka Assembly Passes Bill to Regulate Agricultural E-Commerce Platforms

The Karnataka Assembly has passed a bill amending the Agricultural Produce Marketing regulations to include e-commerce platforms, requiring entities like D Mart and Amazon to comply with its framework. Duties for warehouse service providers are defined, along with licensing requirements for e-platform operations.

On Monday, the Karnataka Assembly passed a pivotal amendment to the Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation and Development) Bill. The newly amended legislation focuses on regulating e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon and Big Basket, ensuring they comply with state frameworks.

State Agricultural Marketing Minister Shivanand Patil outlined the expanded scope of regulation, bringing e-platforms into the legislative fold to curb business operations that evade state legal provisions. This includes stipulating clear responsibilities for warehouse service providers, now under the oversight of the APMC Director.

The amendment mandates that all digital marketplaces secure proper licenses to trade in agricultural produce. This legislation aims to ensure fair practices, transparency, and the protection of stakeholders in the market, including providing stringent duties on providers for safe storage and proper insurance coverage.

(With inputs from agencies.)