CDP-Suraksha: Cluster Development Program (CDP)

CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform launched by the Government of India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to support the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme.

Table of Contents

Context: The government launched CDP-SURAKSHA, a digital platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

What is CDP-SURAKSHA?

CDP-SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance”.
It allows instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts through e-RUPI vouchers.
The platform integrates features like:
- PM-KISAN database
- Cloud-based server space
- UIDAI validation
- eRUPI integration
- Local government directory
- Content management system
- Geotagging and geo-fencing

What is e-RUPI?

e-RUPI is a one-time voucher by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), redeemable at specific merchants without requiring cards, digital wallets, or Internet banking.

Cluster Development Program (CDP)

A central sector scheme by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) to promote horticulture.
Aims to leverage the geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters.
Supports pre-production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.
Targets to cover 9 lakh hectares and 10 lakh farmers across 55 clusters.
Estimates attracting Rs 8,250 crore private investment in addition to government assistance (up to Rs 100 crore per cluster).

How Does CDP-SURAKSHA Work?

Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDA), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials can access the platform.
Farmers can order planting materials (seeds, seedlings, plants) and pay their share of the cost.
The government subsidy amount is automatically displayed.
An e-RUPI voucher is generated upon farmer’s payment, redeemable by the vendor for supplying the materials.
Farmers verify delivery through geo-tagged photos/videos.
IA then releases payment to the vendor after verification.

How is the New System Different?

Previously, farmers had to buy materials upfront and then claim subsidies.
CDP-SURAKSHA provides subsidies upfront and ensures vendor payment only after successful delivery.

Current Status

As of the report, details of 8,400 farmers have been uploaded onto the platform, primarily from Sahyadri Farms Private Ltd in Nasik, Maharashtra, and a few from Meghalaya Basin Management Agency in Meghalaya.
HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Bank of Baroda are involved, and responsible for generating e-RUPI vouchers.