CDP-SURAKSHA Portal: for subsidies to horticulture farmers

The Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has launched a new digital platform called CDP-SURAKSHA to streamline the disbursement of subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). This initiative aims to promote the growth of India's horticulture sector, which contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA), making a substantial contribution to the country's economy.

Booming Horticulture Sector

India's horticulture sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with total production of horticulture crops surging from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21. This surge highlights the sector's significance and the need for efficient mechanisms to support and incentivize farmers engaged in horticulture activities.

CDP-SURAKSHA: A Digital Revolution

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform is a digital solution that facilitates seamless interaction between farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB). Farmers can log in using their mobile numbers and place orders for planting materials such as seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their specific requirements.

Once a farmer raises a demand, the system automatically calculates and displays the subsidy amount to be provided by the government. After the farmer contributes their share of the cost, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which is then received by a vendor who will provide the required planting material to the farmer.

e-RUPI: A Secure and Convenient Payment Solution

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform leverages the e-RUPI voucher system, a one-time payment mechanism developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This innovative solution allows beneficiaries to redeem vouchers without the need for a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access, providing a secure and convenient payment experience.

The NPCI states that organizations or government entities can share e-RUPI vouchers with beneficiaries for specific purposes or activities via SMS or QR codes, further enhancing the accessibility and ease of use.

Streamlining Subsidy Disbursement

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform marks a significant departure from the previous system, where farmers had to purchase planting materials independently and then approach officials for subsidy release. Under the new system, subsidies are provided upfront, at the time of purchasing the planting material, eliminating unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

Additionally, vendors receive payment only after farmers verify the delivery of their orders, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Pilot Implementation and Future Expansion

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform has already onboarded around 8,400 farmers, including 8,000 farmers from Sahyadri Farms Private Ltd, implementing the grape cluster in Nasik, Maharashtra, and 400 farmers from the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), implementing the turmeric cluster in Meghalaya.

Four major banks – HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Bank of Baroda – have been integrated with the platform, facilitating seamless financial transactions.

The CDP, under which the CDP-SURAKSHA platform operates, is a component of the central sector scheme of the NHB, aiming to leverage the geographical specialization of horticulture clusters and promote integrated and market-led development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.

So far, 55 horticulture clusters have been identified, with 12 selected for the pilot phase and four more in the pipeline. The government estimates that about 9 lakh hectares of area will be covered through all 55 clusters, benefiting approximately 10 lakh farmers.

Economic Impact and Investment

In addition to the government's assistance, the CDP-SURAKSHA initiative is estimated to attract private investment of Rs 8,250 crore, further bolstering the growth and development of the horticulture sector.

By streamlining subsidy disbursement and promoting transparency, the platform aims to incentivize and empower farmers, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth and self-sufficiency of India's agricultural sector.