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Context:

• Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to procure major pulses - tur, urad, and masur at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
• He urged state governments to encourage farmers to register on the e-Samridhi portal.
• The portal, launched last year through NAFED and NCCF, facilitates registration of farmers for assured procurement at MSP.

e-Samridhi Portal

Objective:

• In a bid to empower tur dal producers and streamline procurement processes, the government has introduced the e-Samridhi Portal.
• Spearheaded by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF), this platform aims to ensure fair prices and facilitate direct bank transfers for farmers.

Registration Process:

• Amidst this initiative, farmers are encouraged to register on the e-Samridhi Portal, either directly or through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Functionality of the e-Samridhi Portal:

• This digital platform facilitates the purchase of buffer stocks of pulses, particularly tur dal, from registered farmers enlisted on the NAFED and NCCF platforms.
• Notably, payments to farmers are disbursed directly into their designated bank accounts by NAFED.

Importance of the e-Samridhi Portal

Enhanced Operational Efficiency:

• The e-Samridhi Portal, available in multiple languages, acts as an intermediary, connecting farmers, NAFED, and relevant government bodies.
• By streamlining processes, it enhances accessibility and operational efficiency.

Ensuring Food Security:

• Procuring 80% of the buffer stock directly from farmers, the portal mitigates reliance on imports. Consequently, it plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, particularly in the context of pulses.

Paving the Way for Agricultural Revolution:

• The introduction of the e-Samridhi Portal signifies a significant step towards a modern agricultural revolution.
• By emphasizing the importance of pulses and oilseeds alongside conventional crops like wheat and rice, it lays the foundation for a diversified and sustainable agricultural landscape.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which organization(s) spearhead(s) the e-Samridhi Portal, aimed at empowering tur dal producers and streamlining procurement processes? a) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) b) National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India (NCCF) c) Both NAFED and NCCF jointly d) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Answer:  c)

SOURCE: Economic Times