eNAM is connecting tribal farmers directly with buyers across India, eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair prices, and promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in agricultural trading.
Rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats, thick forests, and fertile plains — Nabarangpur district in Odisha has long been home to tribe folks whose livelihoods depend on the cultivation of the land. Yet, they have often found themselves at the mercy of fluctuating markets and exploitative intermediaries.
There were instances of farmers allowing cattle into their fields to graze on vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower due to the absence of fair pricing.
However, there’s hope. In this tribal heartland, a silent digital revolution is underway. It goes by the acronym eNAM, short for National Agriculture Market, a digital platform launched by the Indian government to revolutionise agricultural trading in the country. It has created a unified national market for farm produce by connecting existing APMCs (agricultural produce market committees), called mandis, through an online portal.
The eNAM portal allows farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers across the country, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices. The platform provides transparency, efficiency, and accessibility to both farmers and buyers, promoting agricultural growth and empowering rural communities.
“This is the first time we have made eNAM operational. This will not only benefit the farmers but will also lead to economic growth in the district. It is a milestone for tribal farmers,” said district magistrate Dr Kamal Lochan Mishra, setting the stage for a new era of economic empowerment in Nabarangpur.
Nabarangpur, with its rich biodiversity and predominantly tribal population, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. For generations, tribal farmers have relied on traditional methods of agriculture, cultivating crops amidst the natural beauty of their surroundings.
However, limited market access and exploitative trading practices have hindered their ability to realise the true value of their produce. In 2006, Nabarangpur was identified by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj as one of the 250 poorest districts in India, highlighting the extreme economic challenges faced by its residents.
In the bustling local markets of Nabarangpur, change resonates amidst the vibrant hues of fresh produce. For farmers like Maudi Bisoyi, this transformation is not just about selling vegetables, but about redirecting the course of their lives.
“Not only is eNAM enabling us to develop, but I have also been able to take care of the medicines of my parents along with the expenses of my son’s education,” said Bisoyi, his voice tinged with gratitude and hope.
Jhili Randhari echoes similar sentiments, lauding the transformative power of eNAM. “Last year, I cultivated brinjal on seven acres. There was a good harvest, but no profit. I had problems meeting domestic expenses. This year is different. Now brinjal from my farm is sold across India. I am very happy,” the farmer said.
The tide is turning with the introduction of eNAM. No longer confined to local markets or at the mercy of middlemen, tribal farmers now have the opportunity to showcase their produce to a wider audience and secure fair prices for their hard work.
Over 200 farmers have sold a total of 85,269 quintals of diverse vegetables from November 2023 to March 2024 after eNAM was introduced in the district, signalling a promising trend for increased cultivation and fairer prices in Nabarangpur.
By leveraging technology to streamline the buying and selling process, eNAM is empowering farmers in Nabarangpur to make informed decisions about when, where, and how to sell their produce.
Traders, too, stand to benefit from the transparency and efficiency of eNAM. With access to real-time market information and direct communication with farmers, they can optimise their procurement strategies and ensure a steady supply of high-quality produce.
“The traders buy vegetables directly from farmers after the quality and price are fixed. All financial transactions take place through eNAM. This helps farmers get a fair price for their produce,” said Kapilendra Sasmal, secretary of the Regional Marketing Committee (RMC).
With every transaction conducted on eNAM, with every opportunity unlocked, the spirit of Nabarangpur’s tribal farmers shines brighter, illuminating the path towards a future where economic growth knows no bounds, and prosperity is shared by all.
The lead image at the top shows farmer Maudi Bisoyi selling his vegetables to eNam staff (photo courtesy Shreekanta Sahoo)
Shreekanta Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with a decade of dedicated experience in the ever-evolving field of media.
