Why in the news?

The government has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

What is CDP-SURAKSHA?

• CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform acronym for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”
• It facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• It provides upfront subsidies during material purchase, and vendors receive payment only after farmers verify delivery.

Key Features include database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, LGD, content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.

Operational Mechanism of CDP-SURAKSHA

1. Farmer Interaction:
   • Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials can access the platform.
   • Farmers can log in using their mobile number, place orders for planting material, and contribute their share of the cost.
2. Subsidy Disbursement:
   • After raising the demand, farmers receive the subsidy amount automatically on the screen.
   • Upon paying their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated and received by the vendor, who supplies the planting material.
   • Farmers verify the delivery through geo-tagged media, following which the IA releases payment to the vendor.

Significance of e-RUPI

• e-RUPI is a one-time payment mechanism redeemable without cards or digital payment apps, used for specific purposes.
• It is shared with beneficiaries via SMS or QR code and accepted at merchants supporting e-RUPI.

Old System vs. CDP-SURAKSHA:

• Previously, farmers purchased planting materials independently and then approached officials for subsidy release.

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