The Central Government initiated the e-National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) scheme in 2017 to address the issues faced by farmers in obtaining fair prices for their produce and reducing the role of intermediaries. Under this scheme, the government is granting ₹70 lakh to the connected markets, enabling them to develop basic infrastructure and facilities such as internet lease lines, computerization, testing laboratories, and auction halls.
Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the e-NAM scheme successfully. Currently, the state has integrated 20 fruit and vegetable markets into the e-NAM platform. This digital marketplace allows farmers to sell their produce to buyers from any registered market across the country through online auctions. The markets have also established testing laboratories to ensure the quality of the products.
In 2017, the e-NAM scheme was launched in five markets in Uttarakhand, including Haridwar, Kashipur, Kichha, Sitarganj, and Gadarpur. In 2018, an additional 11 markets were included in the scheme. This year, Bhagwanpur, Luxar, Kotdwar, and Manglaur markets have also joined the e-NAM platform.
Vijay Thapliyal, Deputy Director of Uttarakhand Agricultural Produce Marketing Board, mentioned that the state currently operates a total of 23 fruit and vegetable markets, out of which 20 are actively participating in the e-NAM initiative. By embracing e-NAM, Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to establish an electronic agricultural market system.
Since the implementation of the e-NAM scheme, over 9,000 farmers and 5,455 traders have registered under the program in Uttarakhand. Through digital modes of payment, transactions worth ₹128 crore have been conducted, benefitting both farmers and traders.
The e-NAM scheme has proven to be a game-changer for farmers, allowing them to connect directly with buyers from across the country without the involvement of intermediaries. It ensures transparency, fair prices, and a wider market reach for farmers’ produce, contributing to their economic growth.
Overall, Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to successfully implement the e-NAM scheme. With 20 fruit and vegetable markets integrated into the e-NAM platform, over 9,000 farmers have registered and conducted transactions worth ₹128 crores through digital means. The e-NAM scheme is playing a crucial role in empowering farmers and reducing the dependency on middlemen in the agricultural market.