The government's push towards digital commerce in agriculture received a significant boost as nearly 5,000 out of 8,000 registered Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been successfully onboarded on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) portal. This milestone underscores the commitment to leveraging technology for empowering farmers and enhancing their market access.
Initiated under a central scheme launched in 2020, the registration of FPOs on the ONDC portal marks a crucial step towards fulfilling the government's target of 10,000 registered FPOs. With a budgetary allocation of Rs 6,865 crore, the scheme aims to equip FPOs with essential resources and infrastructure to bolster agricultural productivity and income.
The significance of this milestone lies in its potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by providing FPOs with a platform for seamless digital transactions, online marketing, and payment facilities. By bridging the gap between farmers and consumers across the country, the ONDC portal opens up new avenues for FPOs to expand their market reach and optimize their operations.
The formation and promotion of FPOs represent a pivotal strategy in the government's vision of transforming "Krishi into Atmanirbhar Krishi" (self-reliant agriculture). Through access to technology, credit facilities, and diverse markets, FPOs are poised to drive cost-effective production, enhance productivity, and augment farmers' incomes.
Moreover, the central scheme provides financial assistance to FPOs, including equity grants and credit guarantee facilities, aimed at facilitating their growth and sustainability. With over Rs 246 crore in guaranteed coverage and direct transfers of equity grants to eligible FPOs, the scheme has already made tangible strides in supporting agricultural entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement.
Beyond economic implications, the empowerment of FPOs holds the promise of revitalizing rural economies and creating employment opportunities for rural youth. By fostering a conducive environment for agricultural entrepreneurship, the government's initiatives are laying the groundwork for inclusive growth and socio-economic development in rural areas.
In essence, the successful onboarding of FPOs on the ONDC portal represents a paradigm shift in agricultural marketing and commerce. As digital platforms continue to play an increasingly integral role in the agri-value chain, the government's concerted efforts to integrate FPOs into the digital ecosystem are poised to usher in a new era of prosperity and sustainability in Indian agriculture.
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