Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda recently launched two significant initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and boosting the agricultural sector. These initiatives consist of two user-friendly mobile applications for farmers: the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) mobile app, now integrated with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), and the FPO Inspection mobile app.
The e-NAM mobile app, a cornerstone of the National Agriculture Market, has now been seamlessly integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This integration allows FPOs and farmers registered on ONDC to leverage the platform for selling agricultural and processed produce to a broader network of buyers. By tapping into the ONDC network, FPOs and farmers can significantly expand their reach and access to potential buyers.
e-NAM, established on April 14, 2016, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, serves as an electronic trading portal connecting physical APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committees) across India. Presently operational in 1389 regulated wholesale markets spanning 23 states and 4 union territories, e-NAM has proven instrumental in boosting farmers' incomes through competitive bidding and ensuring timely online payments for sellers. With over 1.77 crore farmers and 2.55 lakh traders registered on the platform, along with 3,600 FPOs, e-NAM has facilitated transactions worth more than Rs 3.32 lakh crore by February 2024.
In addition to the e-NAM integration, the launch also introduces the FPO Inspection mobile app, designed to streamline the formation and promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). This app aims to enhance monitoring and record-keeping processes, crucial for the effective implementation of schemes supporting the establishment of 10 thousand FPOs nationwide. Notable features of the app include capturing inspection images with geo-coordinates to ensure authenticity and enabling comprehensive monitoring and inspection activities related to FPOs.
By harnessing the potential of digital platforms, India aims to foster a robust agricultural economy, driving the nation towards a prosperous future. With these farmer-centric initiatives, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda reaffirms the government's commitment to transforming India's agricultural landscape and fostering inclusive growth in the sector.
