News Excerpt: 

The Government launched a new platform that will allow an instant disbursal of subsidy to Horticulture farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher.

More about the news: 

• The Union has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA to distribute subsidies to horticulture farmers as part of the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). 
• This initiative aims to boost the growth of India's horticulture sector, which accounts for nearly one-third of the agricultural gross value addition (GVA) and makes a significant contribution to the economy. 
• Over the years, the total production of horticulture crops has seen a considerable increase, from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.

About CDP-SURAKSHA

• CDP-SURAKSHA, a digital platform, stands for "System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance." 
• It facilitates the instantaneous transfer of subsidies to farmers' bank accounts using e-RUPI vouchers from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 
• This platform integrates various features including database linkage with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space provided by NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, local government directory (LGD), content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.

How does the CDP-SURAKSHA work: 

• The platform provides access to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB). 
• A farmer can log in using their mobile number and place an order for planting material such as seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their requirements. 
• Once the farmer submits their demand, the system prompts them to contribute their share of the planting material cost. 
• The government subsidy amount is automatically displayed on the screen. Upon the farmer's payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which the vendor receives to supply the requested planting material. 
• Upon delivery, the farmer verifies receipt through geo-tagged photos and videos of their field. Only after verification, the IA releases payment to the vendor against the e-RUPI voucher. 
• The vendor uploads the invoice on the platform. The IA collects all documents and shares them with the CDA for subsidy release, after which the subsidy is disbursed to the IA. 
• It's worth noting that the farmer can avail of the subsidy at the initial stage when placing the order for planting material through the platform.

About e-RUPI

• The CDP-SURAKSHA platform utilizes e-RUPI vouchers provided by the NPCI, which are one-time payment mechanisms redeemable without the need for cards, digital payment apps, or internet banking access. 
• These vouchers can be shared with beneficiaries via SMS or QR code for specific purposes or activities.
• The new system differs from the old one in that, previously, farmers had to purchase planting materials themselves and then approach officials for subsidy release. With CDP-SURAKSHA, subsidies are provided upfront to farmers at the time of purchasing planting material. Vendors supplying the material only receive payment after farmers verify delivery.
• As for participation, although the platform hasn't been rolled out nationally yet, approximately 8,400 farmers' details have been uploaded. Among these, 8,000 are from Sahyadri Farms Private Ltd implementing the grape cluster in Nasik, Maharashtra, while the remaining 400 are from Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) implementing the turmeric cluster in Meghalaya.
• Furthermore, four banks—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Bank of Baroda—have been onboarded on the platform to generate e-RUPI vouchers for fund disbursement.

What is the Cluster Development Program (CDP): 

• The Cluster Development Program (CDP) is a key component of the central sector scheme managed by the National Horticulture Board (NHB). 
• Its primary objective is to capitalize on the geographical specialization of horticulture clusters and promote integrated, market-led development across various stages of production. 
• Currently, 55 horticulture clusters have been identified, with 12 selected for pilot projects. These clusters are at different developmental stages. Additionally, plans are underway for four more clusters, including a floriculture cluster in West Bengal, coconut clusters in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and white onion clusters in Gujarat. 
• Each cluster will have both an implementing agency and a cluster development agency (CDA). The government aims to cover approximately 9 lakh hectares of area across all 55 clusters, benefiting around 10 lakh farmers. 
• The initiative is expected to attract private investment of Rs 8,250 crore, supplemented by government assistance tailored to the cluster's size. This assistance ranges up to Rs 25 crore for mini clusters (up to 5,000 ha), up to Rs 50 crore for medium clusters (5,000 to 15,000 ha), and up to Rs 100 crore for mega clusters (over 15,000 ha).

Conclusion: 

The CDP-SURAKSHA platform and the Cluster Development Program represent a transformative effort to modernize and revitalize India's horticulture sector. By combining digital innovation, targeted subsidy disbursement, and strategic partnerships, these initiatives aim to unlock the sector's vast potential, driving economic prosperity and sustainable agricultural development.

Additional Information: 

Horticulture Statistics: (Based on the Horticultural Statistics at Glance 2021 report by DAFW, MA&FW)

Horticulture Production (2020-21):

• Total Production: 334.60 Million Tonne
• Area under Cultivation: 27.74 Million Hectare
• Vegetables Production: 200.45 Million Tonne
• Fruits Production: 102.48 Million Tonne

Production Distribution (Average Over Last Decade):

• Vegetables: 58-61%
• Fruits: 29-32%
• Plantation Crops: 5-6%

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR):

• Production (2011-12 to 2020-21): 2.96%
• Area under Cultivation (2011-12 to 2020-21): 1.88%

Top Producing States (2020-21):

• Uttar Pradesh: 408.13 Lakh Tonne
• West Bengal: 348.62 Lakh Tonne
• Madhya Pradesh: 337.04 Lakh Tonne

Fruit Production by State (2020-21):

• Andhra Pradesh: 177.08 Lakh Tonne
• Maharashtra: 117.38 Lakh Tonne
• Uttar Pradesh: 112.31 Lakh Tonne

Vegetable Production by State (2020-21):

• West Bengal: 30.33 Million Tonne
• Uttar Pradesh: 29.16 Million Tonne

Infrastructure (Cold Storages, 2021):

• Uttar Pradesh: 36852
• Punjab: 8748
• Haryana: 5648

Per Capita Fruit Availability:

• Estimated: 206.8 gm per day
• Recommended: 230 gm per capita per day

Global Export:

• Grapes: 246.13 thousand Tonne, valued at Rs. 233525 lakh
• Other significant exports: Banana, Mango