The Indian government has launched the CDP-SURAKSHA digital platform to streamline the distribution of subsidies under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). This programme is primarily aimed at promoting which sector in India?

Correct option is B

The CDP-SURAKSHA is primarily aimed at promoting the horticulture sector in India.
· Objective: The programme is designed to promote the growth of the horticulture sector by providing an efficient, digital platform for subsidy disbursement to farmers at the time of purchasing planting materials.
· Platform Features:
· e-RUPI voucher system by NPCI for instant subsidy disbursal.
· Database integration with PM-KISAN and UIDAI validation for secure transactions.
· Geotagging, geo-fencing, and content management system to ensure transparency.
· Beneficiaries:
· Farmers: Instant subsidy in their bank accounts, reducing bureaucratic delays.
· Vendors: Payment is made after farmers verify receipt of planting materials.
· National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials and cluster development agencies (CDAs) also have access to the platform for oversight.
· Significance: The horticulture sector contributes nearly one-third to India’s agricultural gross value addition (GVA), with production rising from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.
This digital initiative aims to enhance transparency, ensure timely support to farmers, and push the growth of the horticulture sector in India.