In this chapter unless the context otherwise requires –
(a) the expression “market” means “market of national importance” and,
(b) the expression “Marketing Committee” means the “Marketing Committee of a market of national importance”.
26. Establishment of markets of national importance and Marketing Committee thereof –
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where the Government is satisfied that on account of the national importance of marketing of nay commodity, in any area, it is expedient to ensure the efficient regulation of the marketing of such commodity in such area, it may establish -
(a) in such area, special markets, known as “Markets of National Importance” for such commodities;
and
(b) independent Marketing Committees known as “Marketing Committees of Markets of National Importance” in relation to such markets, notwithstanding that such area falls within the local limits of the jurisdiction of any other Marketing Committee or Committees already functioning in that area.
(2) The Government may, after consideration of such aspects as, the turnover, upstream catchment area, down-stream servicing (number of consumers served), and price leadership (whether the market influences the price at the national level), declare an area as a special market area known as “Market area of the market of National Importance”.
Provided that no such market shall be established:
(a) if it handles less than one lakh tonnes of produce per year;
(b) if, out of the total produce handled by it, less than thirty percent thereof is received from two or more States or Union Territories; and
(c) if the market does not influence the price of the commodity referred to in sub-section (1) at the national level.