ONDC to Revolutionize Agriculture Sector with Digital Marketplace, To Bring 6,000 Farmer FPOs By March 2024

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is on a mission to transform India's agriculture sector by providing a digital platform for farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) to sell their products nationwide. With an ambitious target of bringing 6,000 FPOs onto the pan-India digital marketplace by the end of FY24, ONDC is poised to empower small enterprises and promote inclusive growth.

Empowering Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

Since its inception in April 2023, ONDC has facilitated the entry of approximately 4,000 FPOs onto its platform, enabling them to showcase and sell a diverse range of agricultural products. These products include rice, pulses, honey, millet, mushrooms, spices, and value-added items. Through free registration and comprehensive support, ONDC assists FPOs in digitizing their product catalogues, generating shipping labels, identifying delivery partners, and facilitating digital payments.

Collaborations and Support

ONDC collaborates with the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), an entity under the Agriculture Ministry, to provide support to FPOs. Additionally, the platform boasts over 30 digital applications, including Mystore, PayTM, Maginpin, and Delhivery, covering various aspects of e-commerce and logistics.

Also Read: Central Govt Plans to Digitize 8 Lakh Agricultural Cooperative Societies by Jan 30

Success Stories

Several FPOs have already experienced significant success on the ONDC platform. For instance, BASIX Krishi Samruddhi, supporting 59 FPOs across multiple states, projects substantial sales growth. Rich Returns, an FPO based in Baran, Rajasthan, has achieved notable sales figures and anticipates further growth.

Meta Partnership and Future Prospects

In a recent development, tech giant Meta announced a partnership with ONDC to enhance the skills of small businesses, including FPOs. This collaboration aims to further empower FPOs and facilitate their participation in the digital economy.

Also Read: CNH to Invest USD $50 Million for Indian Farm Machinery, Plans to Unveil 105HP Tractor & 1,000 Balers in May

Government Support and Expansion Plans

Officials highlight the importance of government support for FPOs to sell their products on platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This support is crucial for expanding the reach of FPOs and facilitating their engagement in public procurement processes.

With its innovative approach and commitment to empowering small enterprises, ONDC is poised to revolutionize India's agriculture sector. By providing FPOs with access to digital marketing, online payments, and efficient logistics, ONDC is catalyzing growth and fostering local value addition in rural areas. As the platform continues to expand and evolve, it holds the promise of driving inclusive economic development and transforming the lives of millions of farmers across the country.

Also Read: Eighth Class Girl Wins National Award For Making Multifunctional Solar-Powered Vehicle For Small Farmers