Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Role of Technology in Agriculture
Context
- The Union Agriculture Minister has announced plans to upgrade the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to e-NAM 2.0 to resolve logistical hurdles in inter-state and inter-mandi trade.
About e-NAM (2016)
- e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform that connects Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
- Implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
- Provides digital services to traders, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mandis.
- As of December 31, 2024, 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders have registered on the platform.
Key Challenges in e-NAM
- Despite integrating 1,361 mandis across 23 states and 4 Union Territories, and facilitating ₹2.79 lakh crore worth of trade, several challenges remain:
- Logistical Issues: Inefficient transportation causes high transit time and limits distribution efficiency.
- Inadequate Warehousing & Storage: Lack of proper storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses.
- Limited Digital Literacy & Internet Access: Many farmers struggle with online platforms.
- Interstate Trade Barriers: Variations in state APMC laws hinder smooth trade.
- Different state tax and compliance norms create complexity.
Key Features of e-NAM 2.0
- Integrated Logistics and Transportation Support: Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) integration for real-time tracking of produce.
- Optimized freight options to reduce transit times and improve delivery efficiency.
- Expanded Warehousing and Cold Storage Infrastructure: The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will offer subsidized loans to promote private investment in storage facilities.
- AI-Driven Price Discovery & Quality Assessment: AI and Machine Learning (ML) to suggest fair market prices.
- Automated quality testing to minimize disputes over product grading.
- Faster Digital Payments & Financial Support: Direct bank transfers and e-wallets for quick settlements.
- Fintech partnerships to provide micro-loans based on transaction history.
- Simplified Interstate Trade: Introduction of a unified digital pass to ease regulatory compliance.
- Standardized tax & compliance framework to facilitate free movement of produce.
- Mobile Accessibility & Vernacular Support: Voice-based commands and local language options on the e-NAM app.
- Digital literacy campaigns to help farmers navigate the platform.
Expected Impact of e-NAM Upgrades
- Increased Farmer Participation: Easier access and better incentives will attract more farmers.
- Higher Price Realization: Direct market access will reduce middlemen, ensuring fair prices.
- Reduced Wastage: Improved storage and transport infrastructure will cut post-harvest losses.
- Investment in Logistics Sectors: Investments in supply chain solutions will drive economic growth.
Note: For other government initiatives to reform agricultural marketing in India, please follow the link: https://www.nextias.com/ca/current-affairs/05-12-2024/agricultural-marketing-draft-national-policy-framework
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