ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce)

• The ONDC aims at promoting open networks developed on open-sourced methodology, using open specifications and open network protocols, independent on any specific platform.
• The project to integrate e-commerce platforms through a network based on open-source technology has been tasked to the Quality Council of India.
• Implementation of ONDC, which is expected to be on the lines of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) could bring various operational aspects put in place by e-commerce platforms to the same level.
  • Various operational aspects include onboarding of sellers, vendor discovery, price discovery and product cataloguing etc.
• On ONDC, buyers and sellers may transact irrespective of the fact that they are attached to one specific e-commerce portal.

E-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

• It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
• It enables farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers, reducing intermediaries, ensuring fair prices, and enhancing sustainability.

Other Government Schemes to Promote Agri-Export in India

• Operation Greens: Operation Greens is an initiative to stabilise the supply and prices of essential agricultural commodities, including fruits and vegetables.
  • It aims to reduce price volatility, ensure farmers receive remunerative prices, and promote sustainable agri exports.
• Market Access Initiative (MAI): MAI is a program that supports export promotion activities, including participation in international trade fairs, capacity building, and market research. It helps Indian agricultural exporters explore new markets and gain market access.
• Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA): SAMPADA aims to modernise infrastructure for agro-processing clusters, which helps reduce post-harvest losses, increase the shelf life of agricultural products, and enhance the export competitiveness of Indian agri-products.
• National Horticulture Mission (NHM): NHM focuses on promoting sustainable horticulture practices, including organic farming, precision farming, and water-use efficiency. It supports the production of high-value horticultural products for export.
• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority): APEDA is responsible for promoting the export of scheduled products and provides guidelines for sustainability, quality, and certification requirements for exporters.
• Setting up of Agri Export Zones (AEZs): AEZs are established in different parts of the country to promote the export of specific agricultural commodities.
  • These zones provide a conducive environment for sustainable agri exports through infrastructure development and technology adoption.
• Promotion of Organic Farming: The government has initiated programs to promote organic farming, which contributes to environmental sustainability and increases the export potential of organic products.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization. It was founded in 1895.
• It works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes.