APMC mandis to be connected with e-NAM

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• The Government has recently approved the integration of 101 agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC) mandis into the electronic platform e-NAM.

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• The total number of mandis connected to the e-NAM platform is expected to reach 1,361 by March 31.
• Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture(MoA) also launched the Platform of Platforms(PoP) within the e-NAM portal in Bengaluru.
• Previously, the government has also launched initiatives such as the Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund, the Kisan Rath Mobile App, and the Platform of Platforms (PoP) within the e-NAM portal to promote e-NAM and increase the participation of farmers and traders.
• These schemes aim to improve price discovery, increase transparency, and provide farmers with access to a wider market for their produce.

What is e-NAM?

• e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform for agricultural commodities in India.
• It was launched by the Government of India in 2016 with the objective to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• It integrates existing physical markets, such as Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs  ) and other market yards, with an electronic platform.
• It enables farmers, traders, and buyers to buy and sell agricultural commodities through an online portal, providing them with access to multiple markets and buyers across the country.
• The platform also offers real-time price discovery, quality testing, and transportation services, thereby promoting transparency, efficiency, and competition in agricultural markets.

What are APMC Mandis?

• APMC or Agricultural Produce Market Committee(APMC) are physical marketplaces or yards where farmers sell their agricultural produce to traders and agents.
• These mandis are regulated by state APMC Acts, which require farmers to sell their produce through licensed traders and agents.
• These mandis were established to protect farmers from exploitation and ensure fair prices for their produce.
• Mandis are marketplaces or yards where farmers sell their agricultural produce to licensed traders and commission agents.
• There are over 7,000 APMC mandis across India, each serving a specific geographic region or cluster of villages.

Significance of integrating APMCs in e-NAM

• They help in regulating the market by ensuring quality standards, timely payments, and transparency in transactions.
• Better monitoring and regulation of traders and commission agents.
• It will help in Real-time price discovery and stable price realization for producers.
• It will help in increasing agricultural trade and market reach.

Government schemes to promote APMC mandis:

• electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform: It enables farmers to sell their produce online and access a wider market.
• Model APMC Act, 2017: The act aims to liberalize the agricultural market and encourage private investment.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): It was set up by government has proposed to help farmers gain access to markets and improve bargaining power.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): It aims to provide financial support for