On January 1, 2025, the Government of Madhya Pradesh issued the draft amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Agricultural Warehouse Rules, 1961, aimed at making revisions to key aspects of licensing and fee structures for agricultural warehouses in the state.
Key Highlights of the Draft Amendment:
Changes to License Renewal (Rule 4)
The amendment introduces a revision to the renewal process for agricultural warehouse licenses.
- New Renewal Period: Licenses will now be renewed for a period up to December 31, 2025.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee will be set at Rs. 0.50 (fifty paise) per metric tonne for this period.
Period and Format of License (Rule 5)
The format and validity of the warehouse license are also modified:
- The license will now be issued in Form-II.
- Its validity will be extended up to December 31, 2025.
Changes in License Fee (Rule 6)
A revision to the licensing fee structure is introduced:
- The fee for issuing a license to a warehouseman will be Rs. 0.50 (fifty paise) per metric tonne, applicable through December 31, 2025.
- The renewal fee remains the same at Rs. 0.50 (fifty paise) per metric tonne.
Amendments to License Terms (Form-II)
- License Validity: Condition number 2 in Form-II is updated to reflect that the license will now be valid until December 31, 2025.
- Additional Condition: An additional condition is added stating that the license will remain valid until December 31, 2025, or for any future period decided by the State Government.
Public Consultation Process
The draft amendment is open for public review, and objections or suggestions regarding the proposed changes can be submitted to the Commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Directorate at Vindhyachal Bhawan, Bhopal.
- The deadline for receiving feedback is 15 days from the date of publication in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette (January 1, 2025).
What Does This Mean for Warehouse Operators?
- The changes are designed to provide clarity and uniformity in the licensing process for agricultural warehouses in Madhya Pradesh.
- The renewal process now has a fixed period and a simplified fee structure, which could benefit warehouse operators by offering predictability in costs and license durations.
If the proposed amendment is finalized after the consultation period, warehouse operators will need to ensure that their licenses are updated according to the new rules and fees.
The draft amendment is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve regulation and governance in the agricultural sector, ensuring that warehouses are adequately licensed and contributing to smoother agricultural operations.
For more details or to submit feedback, interested parties are advised to visit the Madhya Pradesh Government’s official portal.
