Surat, Gujarat: The state’s largest and first elevated Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Surat, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of agricultural infrastructure. Designed to facilitate smooth movement of heavy vehicles on the first floor, the elevated market yard aims to reduce congestion and enhance operational efficiency for farmers, traders, and transporters.
Integrated Facilities for Farmers and Traders
Alongside the market yard, CM Patel inaugurated a free primary healthcare centre and a seed distribution facility, providing essential services to farmers, workers, and traders visiting the market. Appreciating the APMC for creating a futuristic structure with well-planned entry and exit points, he highlighted that the market’s development will prevent traffic bottlenecks for years to come.
From Humble Beginnings to Cooperative Strength
Tracing the history of Surat APMC, the Chief Minister noted that the market began in 1951 with an income of just Rs 15,000 and has now emerged as a symbol of cooperative strength. With a daily footfall of 12,000 to 15,000 people, Surat APMC has consistently ranked first in Gujarat in terms of revenue for the past two years, significantly contributing to the state’s economy.
Promoting Farmer Welfare Through Technology and Infrastructure
CM Patel emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, farmers’ welfare is being advanced through modern infrastructure and technology. Highlighting initiatives such as AI-based Kisan e-Mitra services, he said farmers now have easy access to information about government schemes, improving productivity and market linkages. The Chief Minister also praised the fully computerized and transparent system, including RTGS-based online payments, attracting farmers from states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Boosting Agriculture, Employment, and Sustainability
Under the mantra of ‘Sahakar thi Samruddhi’, the state government is promoting agro and fruit processing chains and special agri-export zones for crops like mango, chikoo, vegetables, and garlic. CM Patel also highlighted the promotion of natural farming to combat climate change, enhance soil health, and increase farmers’ income while generating new employment opportunities.
Yojana-Abhiyan Initiatives and Farmer Support
The Chief Minister underscored the impact of nearly 28 key schemes, including PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Kisan Maandhan, Per Drop More Crop, National Bamboo Mission, and Namo Drone Didi, which have strengthened the agricultural sector and farmer development. He noted that the Rs 10,000 crore agricultural assistance package recently announced by the state has been crucial in helping farmers recover from unseasonal rains.
Infrastructure and Facilities at Surat APMC
MLA and Surat APMC Chairman Sandip Desai highlighted the market’s cutting-edge features, including a 100-foot-wide ramp enabling direct access for trucks and tempos, 108 high-tech shops with spacious storerooms, two-way ramps, goods and passenger lifts, RCC roads, and parking for 200 cars and 4,000 two-wheelers. The Central Government contributed a Rs 19 crore subsidy toward the project.
Leadership and Cooperation in Action
The event was attended by Finance Minister Kanu Desai, Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, MPs Mukesh Dalal and Prabhu Vasava, District Panchayat President Bhavini Patel, former Union Minister Darshana Jardosh, several MLAs, APMC directors, cooperative leaders, and a large gathering of farmers and traders, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind the project.
About Surat APMC
Surat APMC, established in 1951, is Gujarat’s leading agricultural market and a pioneering example of cooperative strength. With modern facilities, transparent systems, and farmer-centric services, it has emerged as a benchmark for other market yards across the state and country, boosting agricultural trade, revenue, and farmer welfare.
