Online national agriculture market may start with 200 mandis in February

New Delhi: Online national agriculture market is likely to kick-start in February with initial integration of around 200 wholesale markets in the states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.

In July, the Cabinet had approved setting up of an online national agriculture market with a budget of Rs 200 crore.

The online platform seeks to integrate 585 wholesale markets across India with an aim to provide more options to farmers to sell their produce.

"We have a target to integrate 585 mandis. Of which, I think we will have atleast 200 mandis ready for integration to start the operation in February 2016," Singh told reporters after the review meeting on the issue with states' agriculture officials here.

The Centre has received proposals from Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and Maharashtra for developing necessary infrastructure in 164 wholesale markets, he said.

Karnataka has already completed work in 50 wholesale markets. "We have sanctioned Rs 12 crore to Gujarat for developing infrastructure in 40 mandis, Rs 12.16 crore to Telangana for 44 mandis and Rs 9 crore to Maharashtra for 30 mandis," Singh said.

A software would be developed for online integration of these mandis soon, he added.

Bids have been invited for hiring a strategic partner for implementing the national agriculture e-market.

According to the proposal, the Union Agriculture Ministry will provide software to state governments free of cost. It will also give grant as a one-time fixed cost subject to the ceiling of Rs 30 lakh per mandi for related infrastructure for installation of the e-market platform.

Small Farmers' Agriculture-Business Consortium (SFAC) will implement the national e-platform in three phases in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.

At present, farmers are restricted to selling produce at mandis that charge various taxes. The proposed online agri-market is expected to give choice to farmers to sell their produce both in physical mandis or online platform.

The easy access to sell online trade is likely to boost their incomes and improve availability, moderating price rise. The Karnataka government is already offering a similar online agriculture market to farmers.