New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- The Indian government has released a comprehensive draft policy framework to establish a unified national market for agricultural produce, aiming to address long-standing challenges in agri-trade.

This move comes nearly three years after the repeal of farm laws following nationwide protests.

The draft, prepared under the chairmanship of Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary (Marketing) in the Ministry of Agriculture, suggests transformative reforms to harmonise agricultural marketing practices across states.

Key recommendations include a single licensing system, establishment of private wholesale markets, and enabling direct procurement from farm-gates by processors, exporters, and bulk buyers.

Notably, the draf...