New Delhi: The agriculture ministry said that, 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.
Last year, the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was launched and so far 455 wholesale markets across 13 states have been integrated to the online platform.
An official statement said, in a review meeting with state officials, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh appreciated the efforts made so far in implementing the e-NAM.
The states should run awareness campaign among farmers and sensitise both farmers and traders about the benefits of online bidding, he said.
To participate by incentivising online trade, some states are encouraging farmers. He also said that, for instance, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkhand have reduced user/market fee for online traders, while Rajasthan has instituted 'Upahar' award.
On gaps that still need to be address, the minister said that to boost inter-mandi and inter-state trading, laboratories, which located in mandis to test the quality of agri-produce, require basic facilities.
The minister also urged states for boosting inter-state trading in future to adopt the model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing Act, 2017.
Under the draft act, to reduce the burden on consumers, a cap is levied on market fees.
