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Vinson Kurian

Thiruvananthapuram , Dec 19

A STATE-SPONSORED agricultural initiative in Kerala that aims to link farmers with buyers and sellers electronically is set to enter into a pioneering tie-up with the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and the National Spot Exchange for Agricultural Produce (NSEAP).

Spearheading the initiative is e-Krishi, an information and transaction platform for agricultural producers, buyers, and service providers.

The arrangement with the MCX/NSEAP being formalised on Wednesday will provide the farmer with access to real-time information on commodity prices.

The signing of the MoU will be preceded by the formal launch of e-Krishi by the State Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy.

The project enjoys the support of the UNDP and the National Institute for Smart Governance (NISG).

The e-Krishi-MCX/NSEAP venture will empower farmers with an improved and efficient price discovery mechanism as well, according to sources.

The project is anchored on the network of market-led and IT-enabled agri business centre operated by select Akshaya e-centre entrepreneurs.

Piloted in the Malappuram district, the Akshaya programme will be rolled out across the State in phases.

Akshaya entrepreneurs will act as primary delivery points and benefit from this platform by availing themselves of additional source of revenue mobilisation.

With their voluntary involvement in the initiative, farmer groups would become the secondary points of delivery.

The e-Krishi project seeks to establish a robust IT-enabled platform where the members can seek information, transact, and make or receive electronic payments.

Responses from the farmer community cultivating priority crops as determined by the market demand will be collected. Buyers and exporters in key markets and manufacturers in processing industries will be enlisted.

Other likely stakeholders are agricultural input providers, consultants, test laboratories, and warehousing facility providers in respective geographical regions.

Logistics service providers, banks, insurers, legal consultants, farm accounting assistants, and documentation will provide the rest of the support mechanism.

An implementation committee with members from the Department of Agriculture, Nabard, Apeda, the State Planning Board, and the State IT Mission has been constituted to review and guide the project.

Consultants have been appointed to support and co-ordinate agricultural stakeholder activities.

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Kerala Govt-MCX venture to enable farm price discovery

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