TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE
THE CONTEXT: The Indian government has launched a groundbreaking digital platform called CDP-SURAKSHA to facilitate the disbursement of subsidies to horticulture farmers.
EXPLANATION:
- This platform aims to streamline the subsidy distribution process and promote the growth of India’s horticulture sector, which significantly contributes to the agricultural gross value addition.
CDP-SURAKSHA, features and its workings:
- The CDP-SURAKSHA is essentially a digital platform.
- SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”
- The platform will allow an instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher (more on this later) from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- The platform integrates various features essential for effective subsidy management, including database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, local government directory (LGD), content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.
- These components work synergistically to enhance accessibility and reliability for all stakeholders involved.
Operational Mechanism:
- Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), and cluster development agencies (CDAs) have access to the CDP-SURAKSHA platform.
- Farmers can place orders for planting materials through the platform and contribute their share of the cost.
- Upon confirmation of the order, the government subsidy amount is automatically reflected, and an e-RUPI voucher is generated.
Role of e-RUPI:
- The CDP-SURAKSHA platform uses e-RUPI vouchers from the NPCI.
- The voucher is a one-time payment mechanism that can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the merchants accepting e-RUPI.
- According to the NPCI, the e-RUPI can be shared with the beneficiaries for a specific purpose or activity by organisations or government via SMS or QR code.
Comparison with Previous System:
- In contrast to the traditional approach where farmers had to purchase planting materials and then seek subsidy reimbursement, CDP-SURAKSHA offers upfront subsidy disbursement at the time of material purchase.
- Vendors receive payments only after farmers verify the delivery of their orders, promoting trust and efficiency in subsidy transactions.
Adoption and Onboarding:
- While the platform is yet to be officially launched nationally, it has garnered significant traction, with approximately 8,400 farmers’ details uploaded so far.
- Notable participants include Sahyadri Farms Private Ltd and Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
- Additionally, four major banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Bank of Baroda—have been onboarded to facilitate e-RUPI voucher generation.
Cluster Development Program (CDP):
- CDP, an integral part of the central sector scheme of the National Horticulture Board (NHB), aims to foster the holistic development of horticulture clusters across India.
- Through the identification and promotion of specialized clusters, CDP facilitates market-led growth, infrastructure development, and private investment mobilization in the horticulture sector.
- So far, 55 horticulture clusters have been identified, out of which 12 have been selected for the pilot.
- These clusters are in different stages of development. Four more clusters — a floriculture cluster in West Bengal, coconut clusters in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and white onion clusters in Gujarat — are also in the pipeline.
- Each cluster will have an implementing agency and a cluster development agency (CDA).
- According to the government, about 9 lakh hectares of area will be covered through all 55 clusters, covering 10 lakh farmers.
- It is estimated that the initiative will attract private investment of Rs 8,250 crore, in addition to the government’s assistance, which is fixed according to the size of the cluster — up to Rs 25 crore for mini cluster (size up to 5,000 ha), up to Rs 50 crore for medium clusters (5,000 to 15,000), and up to Rs 100 crore for mega clusters (more than 15,000 ha).
SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/cdp-suraksha-horticulture-9262824/
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