Sensitise farmers about e-agri trading: Centre to states

States have made progress in putting in place a platform for online trading of agri produce but more awareness campaigns are needed to encourage farmers to use the system, the agriculture ministry said today.
The electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was launched last year and so far 455 wholesale markets across 13 states have been integrated to the online platform.
In a review meeting with state officials, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh appreciated the efforts made so far in implementing the e-NAM, an official statement said.
He, however, said that the states should run awareness campaign among farmers and sensitise both farmers and traders about the benefits of online bidding.

Some states are encouraging farmers to participate by incentivising online trade. For instance, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkhand have reduced user/market fee for online traders, while Rajasthan has instituted 'Upahar' award, he added.
On gaps that still need to be address, the minister said that laboratories, which located in mandis to test the quality of agri-produce, require basic facilities to boost inter-mandi and inter-state trading.
The minister also urged states to adopt the model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing Act, 2017 saying this will help boost inter-state trading.
Under the draft act, a cap is levied on market fees to reduce the burden on consumers. Apart from this, there is a provision for an alternative market so that farmers can access liberal agricultural market and get better value for their produce, he added.