Chapter III FUNCTIONING OF COMMISSION

Meetings of Commission.—(1) The meetings of the Commission shall be convened by the Chairperson as and when required and at such time and place as he thinks appropriate.

1. (2) The Member Secretary, in consultation with the Chairperson, shall call the meetings of the Commission.
2. (3) The meetings of the Commission shall be presided over by the Chairperson and in his absence, the members present shall elect one member amongst themselves to preside over such meeting.
3. (4) At least four members of the Commission shall form a quorum for the meeting of the Commission.
4. (5) As far as possible, the issues in the Commission shall be decided unanimously but where there is difference of opinion amongst the members of the Commission, the same shall be taken on the basis of the opinion of the majority of the members present.

Procedure and powers.—(1) The Commission shall devise its own procedure.

1. (2) The Commission may set up sub-committees, study teams; or engage consultants to study any aspect which is covered by its terms of reference.
2. (3) The Government may provide space to accommodate the staff of the Commission and to facilitate the meetings with the farmers or their unions or associations.

Functions of Commission.—The Commission shall,—

1. (a) review the current status of agriculture and allied sectors in the State, including their performance, strength and weaknesses; assess the condition of different categories of farmers accross various agro-climatic sub-regions; formulate a comprehensive strategy for achieving sustainable and equitable agricultural development of the State;
2. (b) analyse the factors responsible for the farm crises and suggest measures to enhance income of the farmers through market-driven crop diversification, improved marketing system, hassle-free regulatory and fiscal regime, value addition and agro-processing;
3. (c) propose methods for enhancing the productivity, profitability, stability and sustainability in the major farming systems in the State based on an agro-ecological and agro-climatic approaches, including the adoption and integration of frontier technologies;
4. (d) recommend suitable and viable croping system including integration of horticulture, livestock, fisheries and other allied sectors ensuring synergy and compatibility among them;
5. (e) study viable marketing models globally and to suggest improvements in the State;
6. (f) promote synergy between technology and public policy and to recommend measures for enhancing income and employment potential in rural areas through diversification, application of appropriate technology including Information Technology for information on market, weather, credit facilities and e-commerce, training and market reform;
7. (g) examine the current input-use efficiency and functioning of the delivery systems for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural credit and to suggest improvement therein;
8. (h) review the current status of water use in agriculture, including it's performance and potential and to make recommendations for a rational, efficient and sustainable utilization of both ground and surface water for enhanced agricultural productivity;
   • (i) suggest measures for enhancing the quality and cost competitiveness of farm commodities so as to make them globally competitive by providing necessary facilities and application of frontier science and to promote quality literacy for Codex Alimentarius Standard, sanitary and phytosanitary measures among farmers through reorientation and retooling extension machinery;
9. (j) suggest comprehensive policy reforms designed to enhance investment in agricultural research, substantially increase flow of rural credit to the farmers including small and marginal, triggering agricultural growth led economic progress which can lead to opportunities for a healthy and productive life to rural families;
10. (k) suggest measures for attracting and retaining educated youth in farming, including recommendations for technological upgradation in crop husbandry, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, agro-forestry and agro processing and associated marketing infrastructure;
11. (l) address the grievances of farmers and issue directions for their redressal;
12. (m) conduct study tours within country and if required internationally and give suggestions to the Government to enhance farm productivity and farmer income based on the best model available; and
13. (n) consider any other issue which is relevant to the above functions or as may be specifically referred to the Commission by the State Government.

Functions of Member Secretary.—(1) The Member Secretary shall,—

1. (a) administer day to day affairs of the Commission and supervise and manage the day to day functioning of the Commission and issue directions, orders or instructions to the employees of the Commission in consultation with the Chairperson;
2. (b) make arrangements for proper maintenance and custody of all records, securities, cash and the properties of the Commission;
3. (c) endorse and transfer promissory notes, Government and other securities and endorse, sign, encash, cheques and other negotiable instruments on behalf of the Commission;
4. (d) sign all deposit receipts and operate the accounts of the Commission with banks and the financing agencies;
5. (e) institute, conduct and defend legal proceedings in favour of or against the Commission or it's officers or employees through any officer or employee of the Commission or otherwise through legal practitioners or any other person authorized by him in this behalf;
6. (f) determine powers, duties and responsibilities of the employees of the Commission in consultation with the Chairperson;
7. (g) enter into negotiations and contracts and rescind and make such notes, deeds and instruments as may be necessary on behalf of the Commission in relation to any of the object of the Commission or otherwise in the interest of the Commission;
8. (h) take necessary steps to avoid any loss or prevent damage or loss to the assets, properties and interests of the Commission;
   • (i) appoint custodians of books and records and other properties of the Commission; and
9. (j) exercise all such powers as may be delegated to him by the Commission or by the Chairperson.

1. (2) The Member Secretary may, in consultation with the Chairperson, delegate any of his powers to an officer of the Commission for effective and efficient functioning of the Commission.