Context:
The government has come up with a new digital platform to promote horticulture crops.
CDP-SURAKSHA:
- CDP-SURAKSHA – “Cluster Development Programme – System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance”
- Objective – Instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- Features –
- Database integration with PM-KISAN
- Cloud-based server space from NIC (National Informatics Centre)
- UIDAI validation
- eRUPI integration
- Geotagging and Geo-fencing.
- Unlike the old system, CDP-SURAKSHA platform will provide subsidies to farmers upfront, at the time of purchasing.
e-RUPI:
- e-RUPI voucher is a one-time payment mechanism
- They can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the merchants accepting e-RUPI.
- e-RUPI can be shared with the beneficiaries for a specific purpose or activity by organisations or government via SMS or QR code.
Cluster Development Program (CDP):
- CDP – A component of the central sector scheme of National Horticulture Board.
- Objectives –
- Leveraging geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters
- Promoting integrated and market-led development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.
- Current status – 55 horticulture clusters have been identified so far
- Each cluster will have an implementing agency and a cluster development agency (CDA)
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others.
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost.
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds.
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in the village and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies.
Answer: (b)
