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Published on:
February 20, 2023
By
Paramita

Agricultural Produce Under GST Regime – A Detailed Explanation

As part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, agricultural produce has been given special treatment owing to the importance of the agriculture sector in India's economy. The tax implications of agricultural products under GST have been the subject of much discussion, with farmers and traders both needing to understand the new regulations. This article aims to provide a detailed explanation of the GST regime's implications for agricultural produce.

What is Agricultural Produce?

Under GST, agricultural produce is defined as any produce that is grown or harvested on a farm. This includes crops, livestock, and dairy products. The GST regime divides agricultural produce into three categories:

1. Unprocessed agricultural produce

2. Processed agricultural produce

3. Agricultural produce that is not fit for human consumption

Unprocessed Agricultural Produce

Unprocessed agricultural produce is exempt from GST. This includes items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and unprocessed spices. Farmers who only deal with unprocessed produce are not required to register for GST, so long as their annual turnover remains below Rs. 20 lakhs.

Processed Agricultural Produce

Processed agricultural produce is subject to GST, and the rate varies depending on the item in question. For example, processed fruits and vegetables are taxed at a rate of 12%, while processed meat is taxed at 5%.

However, small-scale farmers who only process their produce on their own land are exempt from GST, so long as their annual turnover remains below Rs. 20 lakhs.

Agricultural Produce Not Fit for Human Consumption

Agricultural produce that is not fit for human consumption, such as animal feed, is subject to GST at a rate of 5%.

Other Important Considerations

There are several other factors that farmers and traders need to take into consideration when dealing with agricultural produce under the GST regime:

1. Input Tax Credit: Farmers can claim input tax credit on the purchase of goods and services that are used in the production of agricultural produce.

2. Transportation: The transportation of agricultural produce is exempt from GST, regardless of whether the produce is processed or unprocessed.

3. Export: If agricultural produce is exported, it is eligible for a refund of any GST paid.

4. Registration: Farmers and traders who deal with processed agricultural produce must register for GST, regardless of their annual turnover.

Conclusion

The GST regime has brought about significant changes for the agricultural sector in India. Farmers and traders need to be aware of the new regulations and how they apply to their businesses. While unprocessed agricultural produce is exempt from GST, processed produce and produce not fit for human consumption are subject to GST at varying rates. Farmers and traders must also take into account factors such as input tax credit, transportation, and registration. By understanding the implications of the GST regime for agricultural produce, farmers and traders can ensure that they remain compliant with the law and continue to thrive in their businesses.

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Updated on:
March 16, 2024