BJP Launches CDP-SURAKSHA: Horticulture Farmers to Get Subsidy Through this Digital Platform Now

To amplify the horticulture sector, the BJP-led government has introduced an innovative platform called CDP-SURAKSHA. This platform aims to smoothen the disbursement of subsidies to horticulture farmers as part of the Cluster Development Programme (CDP), a flagship initiative for the growth of horticulture crops across India.

About CDP:

The Cluster Development Programme, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, is geared towards enhancing the global competitiveness of India's horticulture sector.

Under this programme, the National Horticulture Board (NHB) has been tasked with implementing cluster-based development initiatives aimed at promoting integrated and market-led growth across various aspects of horticulture production, post-harvest management, logistics, branding, and marketing.

CDP-SURAKSHA: A Digital Revolution for Farmers:

CDP-SURAKSHA, short form for "System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance," starts a new era of digital empowerment for horticulture farmers.

This platform facilitates the seamless transfer of subsidies directly to farmers' bank accounts through the utilization of e-RUPI vouchers provided by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

How CDP-SURAKSHA Operates:

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform serves as a comprehensive digital ecosystem accessible to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB).

Here's how it works:

* Farmer Registration and Demand Placement:

Farmers register on the platform using their mobile numbers and place orders for planting materials such as seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their requirements.

* Contribution and Subsidy Allocation:

Upon raising a demand, farmers are required to contribute their share of the cost of the planting material. The subsidy amount provided by the government is automatically displayed on the screen.

* e-RUPI Voucher Generation:

After the farmer's contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which is received by the vendor supplying the planting material.

* Delivery Verification:

Upon delivery of the ordered material, farmers verify the receipt through geo-tagged photos and videos of their fields. Subsequently, the IA releases payment to the vendor upon verification.

* Subsidy Release:

The IA collects all necessary documents and shares them with the CDA for subsidy release, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

Also Read: Top 5 Benefits Farmers to Get from 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Scheme'

Understanding e-RUPI:

CDP-SURAKSHA leverages e-RUPI vouchers provided by the NPCI, offering a one-time payment mechanism that can be redeemed without the need for cards, digital payment apps, or Internet banking access. These vouchers, shared via SMS or QR code, enable beneficiaries to make specific-purpose payments at merchants accepting e-RUPI.

Financial Assistance and Objectives:

The CDP-SURAKSHA scheme provides financial assistance to implementing agencies through CDAs based on the cluster's area coverage:

* Mega Clusters (Over 15,000 hectares): Up to Rs 100 Crore

* Midi Clusters (5,000 to 15,000 hectares): Up to Rs 50 Crore

* Mini Clusters (Up to 5,000 hectares): Up to Rs 25 Crore

The programme's main objectives include addressing concerns along the horticulture value chain, reducing post-harvest losses, introducing innovative technologies, facilitating resource convergence, and enhancing stakeholders' capacity and farmers' income through cluster-specific interventions.

CDP-SURAKSHA marks a significant step towards empowering horticulture farmers and fostering sustainable growth in the sector. By using digital technologies and innovative payment mechanisms, the scheme aims to streamline subsidy disbursement, enhance transparency, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of farmers across India. As the programme unfolds, it holds the promise of causing transformative change in the horticulture sector, driving competitiveness, and encouraging inclusive growth.

Also Read: Top 10 Benefits Farmers Will Get from the 'Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre'