How Digital Mandi Can Transform the Lives of Indian Farmers & Public at Large

Technology is playing an increasing role in Indian agriculture. One of the ways in which the digitalisation of agriculture is making a difference is the digital mandi.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian Economy. The focus on India's digital transformation has pushed the agriculture industry in the right direction. With the introduction of Modern equipment, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital mandis, a lot of development has already taken place but, farmers aren’t aware of its benefits.

In most physical mandis, the process becomes very time-consuming as it involves too many intermediaries comprising wholesalers, retailers, and traders who set their own rules and pricing fixations, forcing the farmers to comply with their regulations and making late payments. The farmer is forced to sell their produce at lower prices which causes bigger issues and suffers a great injustice as a result.

A Digital mandi can undeniably make a farmer's life easier and simpler in numerous ways. The B2C format allows farmers to view real-time price points. It also enables them to directly negotiate with wholesalers and other local traders, putting an end to the middlemen. The democratising process of payment will have a beneficial effect on income levels for the farmers. These digital mandis offer easy online payments and smooth digital transactions.

Digital Mandi has the potential to have a significant impact on the Indian economy. Agriculture is a major contributor to the Indian economy, with over 50% of the population engaged in agriculture. Digital Mandi can help boost agricultural growth by providing farmers with access to a wider market, enabling them to sell their produce at a fair price. It can allow farmers to plan their harvests and supply to the market based on demand, resulting in reduced storage costs and losses due to spoilage. It will generate new employment opportunities due to the wide access to the market. Digital Mandi can enable efficient and transparent trade to help India meet the growing demand for food in the global market.

By connecting farmers directly with buyers, consumers can get lower prices as for farmers the cost of transporting and storing the produce is reduced. Consumers can get the highest quality crops and a variety of commodities that can help consumers to make healthier and more diverse dietary choices.

This is the rationale 'One Nation, One Market' vision. The government’s goal is to create efficient value chains that move products from one place to another without unnecessary intermediation.

The technological advancements and strong government collaborations will certainly change the face of the Indian agricultural sector and steer the nation towards a better and self-reliant tomorrow.

Thank you.

Regards,
Apurva Dhamankar,
Kautilya,

IBS Mumbai. 

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