Context:
Recently, the central government launched the CDP-SURAKSHA platform to promote horticulture.
More on the news
- The Central government has come up with a new platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) — the Centre’s initiative to promote horticulture crops.
- The CDP-SURAKSHA is 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 from the National Payments Corporation of India (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.
- NPCI is an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Cluster Development Programme (CDP)
- CDP launched in 2021 is designed to leverage the geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters and promote integrated and market-led development of preproduction, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.
- The National Horticulture Board has been designated as the Nodal Agency for the implementation of the CDP as a component of the Central Sector Scheme of NHB.
How CDP-SURAKSHA Works:
Access and Order Placement:
- Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB) have access to the platform.
- Farmers log in using their mobile numbers and place orders for planting materials like seeds, seedlings, and plants per their requirements.
Contribution and Subsidy:
- Once a farmer places an order, they are prompted to contribute their share of the cost of the planting material.
- The government subsidy amount is automatically displayed on the screen.
- After the farmer pays their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated.
Delivery Verification:
- Upon delivery of the ordered planting material, farmers verify the delivery through geo-tagged photos and videos of their fields.
- Verification is necessary before the IA releases payment to the vendor for the e-RUPI voucher.
- Vendors upload an invoice of the payment on the portal.
Subsidy Release:
- The IA collects all documents and shares them with the CDA for subsidy release.
Subsidy is released to the IA only after verification and approval processes are completed. Features of CDP-SURAKSHA
- Database integration with PM-KISAN
- Cloud-based server space from NIC (National Informatics Centre)
- Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) validation
- e-RUPI integration
- Local government directory (LGD)
- Content management system
- Geotagging and geo-fencing.
Difference from the old system
- In the old system, a farmer had to buy planting materials on their own. They would then have to approach the officials concerned for the release of the subsidy.
Now, subsidies are provided to farmers upfront at the time of purchasing the planting material.Significance
- It ensures transparency and accountability.
- It facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmer’s bank accounts.
- The move seeks to push the growth of India’s horticulture sector, which contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA).