The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
The Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board (Mandi Board) is a statutory body established by the Government of Punjab in 1961. The Board is responsible for regulating the marketing of agricultural produce in the state. It also promotes value addition and facilitates export of agricultural produce.
The Board regulates the marketing of agricultural produce by establishing and maintaining markets, providing market intelligence, and ensuring fair trade practices. It also promotes value addition by providing financial assistance to farmers for setting up processing units and by providing marketing support to farmers’ cooperatives. The Board facilitates export of agricultural produce by providing market information, arranging for transportation and storage, and providing financial assistance to exporters.
The Board has played a significant role in the development of the agricultural sector in Punjab. It has helped to increase agricultural production, improve the quality of agricultural produce, and increase the income of farmers. The Board has also helped to promote the export of agricultural produce from Punjab.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a: Regulating horticulture markets. The Board regulates the marketing of horticultural produce by establishing and maintaining markets, providing market intelligence, and ensuring fair trade practices.
- Option b: Promoting value addition. The Board promotes value addition by providing financial assistance to farmers for setting up processing units and by providing marketing support to farmers’ cooperatives.
- Option c: Facilitating export. The Board facilitates export of agricultural produce by providing market information, arranging for transportation and storage, and providing financial assistance to exporters.