The BJP-led government has introduced the CDP-SURAKSHA platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). This initiative aims to promote horticulture crops, a significant contributor to India’s agricultural gross value addition.
Overview of CDP-SURAKSHA
CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform facilitating instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using e-RUPI vouchers. It integrates various databases and features to streamline subsidy distribution and ensure transparency.
Functionality of CDP-SURAKSHA
- Registration and Ordering
- Farmers register using their mobile number and place orders for planting material.
- Subsidy Calculation and Payment
- Farmers contribute their share of the cost, and the government subsidy is automatically calculated and displayed.
- Upon payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated for the vendor.
- Delivery Verification
- Farmers verify the delivery of planting material through geo-tagged media.
- The implementing agency releases payment to the vendor upon verification.
Utilization of e-RUPI Vouchers
e-RUPI vouchers, provided by NPCI, serve as one-time payment mechanisms redeemable without cards or digital payment apps. They ensure targeted fund utilization for specific purposes, enhancing efficiency and accountability.
Transition from the Old System
CDP-SURAKSHA replaces the previous system where farmers purchased materials independently and sought subsidy release afterward. Now, subsidies are provided upfront during material purchase, improving farmers’ access and vendor accountability.
Implementation Status and Future Plans
The platform is being gradually rolled out, with initial implementation covering farmers from selected clusters. Future plans include expanding coverage to more clusters and leveraging partnerships with banks for e-RUPI voucher generation.
Implications and Benefits
The CDP initiative aims to foster integrated and market-led development of horticulture clusters, attracting private investment and benefiting a significant number of farmers across various cluster sizes.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What does CDP-SURAKSHA stand for?
- A) Cluster Development Platform for Subsidized Agriculture Resources and Knowledge Handling
- B) Centre’s Distributed Programme for Secure Horticulture Assistance
- C) System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance
- D) Centralized Database for Plantation Subsidy Allocation and Regional Horticulture Support
- How do farmers access subsidies through the CDP-SURAKSHA platform?
- A) By directly receiving cash payments from government officials
- B) By registering on the platform and placing orders for planting material
- C) By submitting physical documents to local agricultural offices
- D) By purchasing planting material and then applying for reimbursement
- What role do e-RUPI vouchers play in the CDP-SURAKSHA platform?
- A) They serve as identification cards for farmers
- B) They facilitate instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts
- C) They provide access to market prices of horticulture crops
- D) They are used for tracking weather patterns in farming regions