ADB to Support Modernisation of Market Committees and ‘MAGNET’ Project; Minister Rawal’s Manila Visit Productive

Mumbai, March 2026: Maharashtra’s Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal said his recent visit to Manila has proved fruitful in securing support from the Asian Development Bank for modernising the state’s agricultural market system.

During the visit, the minister participated in the “Asia and Pacific Food Systems Forum 2026” held at ADB headquarters. He highlighted key initiatives including the Maharashtra Agribusiness Network (MAGNET) project, the Mumbai International Agri Market (MIAM), and the strengthening of Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board’s General Manager and MAGNET Project Director Vinayak Kokare was also present.

Rawal held a detailed meeting with ADB Vice President (South, Central and West Asia) Yingming Yang, where discussions focused on the MAGNET project, MIAM, and the modernisation and strengthening of APMCs in Maharashtra. The talks emphasized building a more robust, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural value chain.

The minister also met ADB Director General Winfried Wicklein and Senior Sector Director Qingfeng Zhang. These discussions explored opportunities for ADB support in improving agricultural infrastructure, post-harvest management, and agri-logistics in the state.

Rawal stated that the visit has paved the way for enhanced international cooperation, which will help transform Maharashtra’s agricultural market system into a more modern, efficient, and sustainable framework.