Gujarat is on a path to fully digitalise all 224 Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). This initiative aims to improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural trade across the state. The state government has organised a series of training programmes to support this transformation, coinciding with the celebrations for the ‘International Year of Cooperatives’. Leaders from the cooperative sector and secretaries from 144 marketing committees participated in these sessions. The training was held at key APMCs in Ahmedabad, Unjha, Rajkot, and Surat.
The training covered essential topics such as the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), AGMARK data entry for price transparency, and the promotion of digital transactions. Participants also discussed the development of an e-APMC portal, which includes features like gate entry, e-Trade, and e-Payment systems. The goal is to train farmers and market stakeholders to utilise these digital tools effectively.
The programmes took place across various districts, including six in the North Zone, ten in the Central Zone, five in the South Zone, and twelve in the Saurashtra-Kutch Zone. This wide-reaching initiative reflects the state’s commitment to modernising its agricultural infrastructure through technology.
Digitalisation is crucial for improving market access for farmers. As part of the e-NAM initiative, Gujarat has already seen agricultural produce worth over ₹10,000 crores traded online. Launched in 2016, e-NAM connects farmers with markets, allowing them to sell their products directly and secure better prices.
In Gujarat, more than 8 lakh farmers are now linked to the eNAM platform, which has integrated 144 mandis. This connection enables farmers to access nearby e-NAM mandis while traders can bid online from anywhere in the country. As a result, Gujarat is setting new standards in digital agriculture, with over 2.64 crore quintals of produce sold through the e-NAM platform, amounting to ₹10,535.91 crore.
Farmers like Parbat from the Una Market Committee have experienced significant improvements in their selling process through e-NAM. He reports earning ₹200 to ₹500 more per sale compared to local markets. This increase in income showcases the positive impact of digital platforms on farmers’ livelihoods.
The convenience offered by e-NAM extends to payment processing, as payments are directly deposited into farmers’ accounts. This seamless process reduces delays and enhances the efficiency of trading.
The digitalisation of APMCs is expected to provide numerous benefits. Farmers will have access to real-time market information, which will help them make informed decisions about when and where to sell their produce. This transparency is critical in reducing price volatility and ensuring fair returns for farmers.
Moreover, the e-APMC portal will facilitate training for farmers and market partners, ensuring that all stakeholders are comfortable with the new digital tools. The focus on training is essential, as it empowers farmers to adopt these technologies effectively.
As Gujarat leads the way in modernising its agricultural sector, the digitalisation of APMCs represents a significant step towards improving farmer incomes and enhancing the overall efficiency of agricultural trade. The integration of technology in agriculture is shaping a more connected and informed farming community in the state.
In conclusion, Gujarat’s commitment to digitising its APMCs is poised to revolutionise agricultural trade in the state. By leveraging technology, the state government aims to empower farmers, increase their earnings, and drive a more transparent and efficient agricultural market. As the initiative progresses, it is expected to set a benchmark for other states in India, fostering a new era of digital agriculture.
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