New Delhi, 23 June (H.S.): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED)'s new digital auction portal, 'NAFEX.in', here. Describing it as a significant step towards enhancing transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business in the interest of farmers and agricultural institutions, he said the modern digital platform would simplify auction-related activities and prove to be a milestone in the economic empowerment of farmers.

The launch ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, NAFED Chairman Jethabhai Ahir, Vice Chairman Siddappa S. Hotti, Managing Director Deepak Agrawal, along with several senior officials and agricultural experts. Through the new portal, NAFED has introduced a transparent, technology-driven system for the procurement of agricultural produce, ensuring that payments are transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) within 48 hours of procurement. In addition, a pre-registration facility has been introduced to spare farmers from waiting in long queues.

Amit Shah said that NAFED, which was on the verge of closure in 2014, has been transformed through the government's continuous reforms and sustained efforts. Today, it has an annual turnover of Rs 30,000 crore and a profit of Rs 500 crore while providing services to 7.6 million (76 lakh) farmers across the country.

Highlighting the significance of June 23, Shah said the day holds immense inspiration for all workers as it marks the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who laid down his life in a Jammu and Kashmir prison for the unity and integrity of the nation. He also recalled Dr. Mookerjee's role in ensuring that West Bengal remained an integral part of India despite the challenges posed during the country's partition.

Recalling Dr. Mookerjee's historic struggle, Shah said that after Independence, the existence of Article 370 had allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have a separate flag, Constitution, and Prime Minister, which posed a serious threat to the country's sovereignty. He noted that Dr. Mookerjee had launched a march from Delhi to Kashmir against the principle of one nation with two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags, during which he was arrested for entering the region without a permit. Shah expressed satisfaction that with the abrogation of Article 370, Dr. Mookerjee's historic vision has now been fully realised.

Addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that India's agricultural production has registered a remarkable 44 per cent increase since 2014, reflecting growth that has surpassed even the pace witnessed during the Green Revolution. He said the Ministry of Agriculture has three primary objectives: ensuring food security, providing nutritious food to the people, and strengthening farmers' livelihoods.

Chouhan said that to protect farmers from falling prices during periods of bumper harvests, the government is undertaking record procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He added that a special mission has been launched to make the country self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds, under which the government will procure 100 per cent of the production of tur (pigeon pea), masoor (lentil), and urad (black gram) at MSP.

Congratulating NAFED for ensuring transparency in procurement, Chouhan said that in collaboration with the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF), the organisation has adopted modern technology to ensure transparent procurement and direct payment to farmers within 48 hours through DBT. He also appreciated the pre-registration facility and the arrangements made at procurement centres to eliminate long queues and provide better amenities for farmers, describing these initiatives as highly commendable.

The Agriculture Minister further said that NAFED is also looking beyond domestic operations and is expanding its presence in the export sector. Referring to the Ministry of Cooperation's vision of Prosperity through Cooperation, he said the slogan has now evolved into a guiding principle for millions of farmers across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar