Indian government has launched a new platform CDP-SURAKSHA. This platform will be employed for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

MoA&FW Introduced ‘CDP-SURAKSHA’, a Digital Platform to Disburse Subsidies to Horticulture FarmersThe Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) introduced a digital platform called CDP-SURAKSHA (Cluster Development Programme – System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance) to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the CDP.
Note: CDP, launched by MoA&FW, is a central sector scheme of the National Horticulture Board (NHB) which aims to reform agriculture markets and promote the horticulture sector.

About CDP-SURAKSHA

It stands for System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.
This is a digital platform which will allow an instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Features of the CDP-SURAKSHA-

It has features such as database integration with PM-KISAN,

cloud-based server space from NIC,

UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, local government directory (LGD),

content management system,

geotagging, and geo-fencing.

What is the Significance of the CDP-SURAKSHA?

1) Boost to Horticulture sector-India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA). This platform will push the growth of horticulture sector.

2) Departure from old system-It will provide subsidies to farmers at the time of purchasing the planting material unlike old system where a farmer had to buy planting materials on their own and then had to approach the officials concerned for the release of the subsidy

Working: 
i.The platform allows access to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), and cluster development agencies (CDAs), and officials of the NHB.
ii.Farmers can order planting materials like seeds, seedlings, and plants based on their needs and pay their share of the cost of planting materials. The subsidy amount paid by the GoI will appear on the screen and an e-voucher will be generated.
iii.The vendor will receive the voucher and provide the required materials to the farmers.
Note:
i.The e-RUPI voucher is a one-time payment mechanism that can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the merchants accepting e-RUPI.
ii.The e-RUPI can be shared with the beneficiaries for a specific purpose or activity by organisations or the government via SMS or QR code.

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