Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

TAG- GS 3 Agriculture

Introduction

The Indian government has recently launched a new digital platform, known as CDP-SURAKSHA, to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). The move aims to promote the growth of India’s horticulture sector, which makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

Understanding CDP-SURAKSHA

CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform that stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.” The platform enables the instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

What is e-RUPI?

- e-RUPI is a digital voucher sent to a beneficiary's phone as an SMS or QR code

- It is a prepaid voucher that can be redeemed at any center that accepts it

- For example, if the government wants to cover a specific medical treatment for an employee at a designated hospital, it can issue an e-RUPI voucher for the determined amount through a partner bank

- The employee will then receive an SMS or a QR code on their feature phone/smartphone

- They can then visit the specified hospital, avail of the services, and pay through the e-RUPI voucher received on their phone

- e-RUPI is a one-time, contactless, cashless voucher-based mode of payment that enables users to redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access

- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched e-RUPI in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and National Health Authority.

e-RUPI is a digital voucher that is person and purpose-specific, distinct from the digital currency launched by the Reserve Bank of India.

Features of CDP-SURAKSHA

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform has several features, 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 features enable farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB) to access the platform.

How CDP-SURAKSHA Works?

To use the platform, a farmer can log in using their mobile number and place an order for planting material such as seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their requirement. Once the demand has been raised by the farmer, the system will ask them to contribute their share of the cost of planting material. The subsidy amount paid by the government will appear on the screen automatically. After the farmer pays their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher will be generated. This voucher will then be received by a vendor, who will provide the required planting material to the farmer.

Benefits of CDP-SURAKSHA

- Instant disbursal of subsidies to horticulture farmers

- Increased transparency in the subsidy distribution process

- Access to high-quality planting material for farmers

- More efficient allocation of resources

- Effective monitoring of CDP implementation by the government

- Ensuring appropriate utilization of funds.

Differences Between the Old and New Systems

- In the old system, farmers had to purchase planting materials on their own and then approach officials for the release of the subsidy.

- The CDP-SURAKSHA platform provides subsidies upfront to farmers at the time of purchasing the planting material.

- Vendors who supply planting materials to farmers will only receive payment after farmers verify the delivery of their orders, promoting greater transparency and accountability.

- The new platform is more efficient in the allocation of resources and ensures appropriate utilization of funds.

- The government can monitor the implementation of the CDP more effectively with the new platform, ensuring that the subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries.

What is the Cluster Development Program (CDP)?

The CDP is a component of the central sector scheme of the National Horticulture Board (NHB). Its objective is to leverage the geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters and promote integrated and market-led development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.

CDP Clusters

55 horticulture clusters have been identified so far, out of which 12 have been selected for the pilot. These clusters are in different stages of development. Additionally, four more clusters, including 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).

Coverage and Investment

The CDP initiative will cover about 9 lakh hectares of area through all 55 clusters, benefiting 10 lakh farmers. The initiative is expected to 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 clusters (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).

Conclusion

Overall, the CDP-SURAKSHA platform is a significant step towards promoting the growth of India’s horticulture sector. By providing instant disbursal of subsidies and access to high-quality planting material, the platform empowers farmers and encourages the adoption of modern farming practices. With the government’s continued support and investment in the sector, India’s horticulture industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years.