E-market platforms to come up across the country: Agri Min

The government is taking many initiatives to educate the farmers and remains committed to set up e-platforms in 585 markets across the country, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said.

"The National Agriculture Market is yet another recent initiative of the government, where Common eMarket Platforms would be set up in 585 regulated markets in the country," Singh said at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM) here.

"These digital platforms would enable farmers to sell produce through e-marketing. You, the young scientists, being digital-savvy, I would urge you to contribute to all such ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) initiatives by popularising them with the farming community," he added.

The NDA government has developed web-based farmers portal and mobile-based mKisan SMS portal, besides disseminating information to farmers through Kisan Call Centers and DD Kisan Channel, the minister said.

"Two mobile Apps (Kisan Suvidha and Pusa Krishi) have been launched for farmers," he said.

Agriculture and allied sectors contribute 18 per cent to the Gross Value Added (GVA) as the foodgrains production of about 260 million tonnes is possible with availability of technologies like quality seed and associated services to the farmers, the Minister said.

Singh also lauded the research efforts of ICAR institutions and agricultural universities across the country.

Since 1951, foodgrain production in the country has increased five times, while that of horticultural produce by 9.5 times, fish by 12.5 times, milk production 7.8 times and eggs 39 times, he said.