18-April-2024-Special-Article

CDP-SURAKSHA, GOVT’S NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM TO DISBURSE SUBSIDIES TO HORTICULTURE FARMERS 

The Central government has recently introduced a new platform, CDP-SURAKSHA, to streamline the disbursement of subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).  

This initiative aims to bolster India’s horticulture sector, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA).  

About CDP-SURAKSHA 

• Name: SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.” 
• Objective: Facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using e-RUPI vouchers from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 

Features: 

• 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 capabilities 

Working Mechanism 

• User Access: Open to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials. 
• Order Placement: Farmers can log in, place orders, and contribute their share of the planting material cost. 
• Payment and Voucher: Upon payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated for the vendor supplying the planting material. 
• Verification: Farmers verify delivery through geo-tagged photos and videos. 
• Subsidy Release: IAs release funds to vendors upon verification, with the vendor uploading payment invoices to the portal. 

• Subsidy Disbursement: The subsidy is released to IAs after document verification, allowing farmers to avail subsidies at the first stage. 

Status of Horticulture Sector in India 

• Production: India ranks 2nd in global fruit and vegetable production, accounting for nearly 90% of horticulture output. 
• Contribution: The sector contributes about 33% to the agriculture GVA. 
• Production vs. Food Grains: Despite smaller land area (25.66 million Ha) compared to food grains (127.6 M. ha), horticulture production (320.48 million tons) surpasses food grain production. 
• Productivity: Horticulture crops have higher productivity (12.49 tonnes/ha) compared to food grains (2.23 tonnes/ha). 
• Exports: India leads in production of certain vegetables and fruits but holds a mere 1% share in global horticultural market. 
• Wastage: Approximately 15-20% of fruits and vegetables are wasted, contributing to GHG emissions. 

Cluster Development Programme (CDP):  

About CDP 

• Objective: To develop globally competitive horticulture clusters. 
• Implementation: Managed by NHB, the programme targets 55 horticulture clusters, starting with 12 in the pilot phase. 

Objectives 

• Address major horticulture sector issues from pre-production to marketing. 
• Improve crop exports by 20% and create cluster-specific brands. 
• Converge with other government initiatives like Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. 

Examples of Clusters 

• Siphahijala (Tripura) for pineapple 
• Solapur (Maharashtra) and Chitradurga (Karnataka) for pomegranate 
• West Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) for turmeric 

Initiatives for Horticulture Sector Development: 

• National Horticulture Board (NHB) – Established in 1984, it promotes integrated horticulture development. 
• Cluster Development Programme – Aims for integrated and market-led development across horticulture activities. 
• CHAMAN Project – Utilizes geo-informatics for horticulture crop estimation. 
• HAPIS – Web portal for online horticulture data submission. 
• PMKSY – Addresses irrigation issues to enhance cultivable areas and water efficiency. 

Way Forward 

• Effective subsidy disbursal is crucial for enhancing horticulture productivity and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.  
• With an estimated demand of 650 Million MT of fruits and vegetables by 2050, there is immense potential for growth in India’s horticulture sector.  
• The implementation of CDP-SURAKSHA and other initiatives will play a pivotal role in realizing this potential and ensuring sustainable development of the horticulture sector. 

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the significance of the CDP-SURAKSHA platform in enhancing the efficiency of subsidy disbursal for horticulture farmers and its potential impact on India’s horticulture sector development. (150 WORDS)