Context: Indian government has launched a new platform CDP-SURAKSHA. This platform will be employed for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

About CDP-SURAKSHA

• Description: It stands for System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance. This is a digital platform which will allow an 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 of the CDP-SURAKSHA: It has features such as database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, local government directory (LGD), content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.

• Aim: To push the growth of India’s horticulture sector, which contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA). 

• The total production of horticulture crops has also spiked in recent years. While in 2010-11, it stood at 240.53 million tonnes, the number rose to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.

Significance of the CDP-SURAKSHA

• Boost to Horticulture sector: India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third to the agriculture gross value addition (GVA). This platform will push the growth of horticulture sector.

• Departure from old system: It will provide subsidies to farmers at the time of purchasing the planting material unlike old system where a farmer had to buy planting materials on their own and then had to approach the officials concerned for the release of the subsidy.

• The e-RUPI Voucher: The voucher is a one-time payment mechanism that can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the merchants accepting e-RUPI. 

• According to the NPCI, the e-RUPI can be shared with the beneficiaries for a specific purpose or activity by organisations or government via SMS or QR code.

About Cluster Development Program (CDP)

• Description: It is a component of the central sector scheme of National Horticulture Board (NHB).

• Launched by: It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) in 2021.

• Objective: To leverage the geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters and promoting integrated and market-led development of pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.