UPSC Prelims 2017 Q33: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the 'National Agriculture Market'
scheme?
1. It is a pan - India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the
quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
Launched on 14 April 2016.
It links existing APMC mandis into one online market.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities | Correct | e-NAM is an online trading portal that networks the mandis |
| 2. It gives farmers access to a nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce | Correct | Produce is quality tested (assayed) and buyers across India can bid online |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) |
| Ministry | Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Aim | One Nation, One Market for farm produce |
| Benefit | Better price discovery and fewer middlemen |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: farmers get a nationwide market and quality-based prices.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal.
- (c) CORRECT. e-NAM is an electronic portal that gives farmers nationwide access and fair prices.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements describe real advantages of the National Agriculture Market.
Key point
e-NAM (2016): pan-India electronic trading portal linking APMC mandis; run by SFAC; quality-based price discovery for farmers.
Remember
e-NAM = One Nation, One Market, run by SFAC.
Common mistakes
- Thinking e-NAM replaces APMC mandis; it only links the existing mandis online.
- Assuming e-NAM is run by NABARD; the agency is SFAC.
- Believing farmers sell only within their own State on the portal.
Exam tip
e-NAM = existing mandis + online bidding. It adds a network, not new physical markets.
Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare — e-NAM operational guidelines
- Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium — National Agriculture Market