177 e-mandis, including 13 in State, launched

The mandis integrated on Monday were Gujarat (17), Haryana (26), J&K (1), Kerala (5), Maharashtra (54), Odisha (15), Punjab (17), Rajasthan (25), Tamil Nadu (13) and West Bengal (1). With the launch of 177 additional mandis, the total number of eNAM mandis across country is 962, an official release said.

Launching the new mandis through video conferencing, Tomar said efforts should be made to strengthen eNAM further to benefit the farmers. Earlier, 785 mandis were integrated with eNAM across 17 States and 2 UTs, with a user base of 1.66 Cr Farmers, 1.30 lakh traders and 71,911 Commission Agents. As on May 9, total volume of 3.43 crore MT and 37.93 lakh numbers (Bamboo & Coconut) collectively worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore have been traded on eNAM platform. Digital payment worth Rs 708 crore has been done via eNAM platform, benefitting more than 1.25 lakh farmers. eNAM facilitates trade beyond mandi/ state borders.

A total of 236 mandis participated in inter- mandi trade across 12 States whereas 13 States/UT have participated in the inter-state trade allowing farmers to interact directly with distantly located traders. At present, 150 commodities, including food grains, oilseeds, fibers, vegetables and fruits, are being traded on eNAM. More than 1,005 FPOs have been registered on eNAM platform and have traded 2900 MT of agri-produce worth Rs 7.92 crore.

To avoid a Koyambedu cluster-like situation in Thanjavur, the Darasuram market in Kumbakonam, the biggest wholesale market here, was closed down on Monday after a lorry driver, who transported vegetables, tested COVID positive. A total of 500 vendors have undergone testing and their results are awaited. The administration has identified a ground at Valaiyapettai bypass to set up a temporary market. On May 8, a 37-year-old lorry driver from UP was transporting potatoes from Mettupalayam to Darasuram market. Since he came from another district, he was taken for COVID-19 testing and his results came out positive. He was admitted to Thanjavur medical college.