AGMARKNET Innovations/best

practices of Agmarknet in

Punjab Presentation By: Dr. Dipinder Singh, IAS

Secretary, Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board

Punjab…at a glance

• Population 27,704,236 (2.29% of India) • Literacy Rate : 76.68% • Population density 550 • 62.5% of poulation lives in rural area • Agriculture & allied contributes 24% towards SDP (2004-05 ) • Secondary Sector – 31% Tertiary – 45% • 39% of State’s workforce still in Agriculture • Total Geographical Area : 50.36 Lac Hect. • 41.58 – 83% under cultivation – highest in the country – A farm

stead • Comprises 1.54% of total geographical area of the country

Punjab at a glance …contd

• Contributes 13-14% of total food grain products • 35-40% of Rice, 40-75% of Wheat – in the last two

decades • 32% of its 10.58 Lac operative holders – marginal & small • 64% of all the cultivators cultivate 10 Acres or less • Average holding 3.78 hectares. • 80% of the cultivated area – Wheat & Rice • Cropping intensity – 190% • Net area sown – 41.58 Lac hectares. • Gross cropped area – 78.82 Lac hectare.

• % of net irrigated area to net grown – 98% • 115/138 development blocks – Dark – extaction more than

100% of annual net recharge • Per capita availability – Milk 944 gms per day (263 gms

India) – huge scope • Fish production increasing 78.73 lac ton (2007-08) to

122.86 lac ton (2009-10)

Punjab at a glance …contd

• AGMARKNET

• E-Tendering and e-Procurement introduced in all Government Departments. Punjab Mandi Board pioneered the e-tendering project in the State, which has been followed by all the departments of the State.

• First State to Launch eSarkar, 47 departments with 143 branches, 1000 offices connected with PAWAN

• 22 Treasuries & 74 sub Treasuries automated

Governance Reforms

• Established 500+ Saanjh Kendras, 153 Fard Kendras, 132 Suvidha Kendras

• Self Declarations abolished affidavits.

• Portal to lodge online complaints/grievances – Monitored by Dy. Chief Minister. Complaints resolved/replied with in a month.

Governance Reforms ..contd

Punjab Mandi Board

in the service of farmers

About Us

• Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board was established on 26th May, 1961 under the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961 with an objective to regulate the marketing network of sale, purchase and processing of agricultural produce.

About us ..contd

• 151 Principal Yards • 275 Sub Yards • More than 1800 Purchase Centers – No producer has to go

more than 10 KM’s. to sell his produce

• 90 Fruit & Vegetable Markets.

• Backbone for agricultural marketing - Rural Link Roads - 60,244 KM.

• Highest per capita availability of milk 945 Grams per day

About Us ..cont APMC Act

• Agriculture Produce Market Act has been implemented almost all States of the India expect Bihar, Kerala etc.

• All the Agricultural Marketing Activities (Sale/ Purchase/storage/ processing) are being regulated under this act. All the charges like loading/unloading/cleaning/ Bagging/weighing/Commission agent charges /Market fees has been fixed. It is insured that all these fixed charges will be collected from farmers and buyers.

• The Entire States has been divided and notified as independent Notified Market Area which is being controlled by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee.

• All the required Agri-Marketing Infrastructure must be created for better Agri-Marketing Activities.

About Us ..contd

• It is ensured under this Act that the produce of the farmers is being sold at the MSP price or higher than that. The non-MSP commodities are being sold through open auction. It is also ensured that the farmers get their payment in time.

• It is ensured that no farmer will have to go more than 8 k.m. to sell his produce by opening purchase centres during the season.

• In the Punjab State Modern Infrastructure like pack houses (ripening/cold room/ grading/ packaging), electronic weighing, community drying centres, cotton dryer and cleaner, modern cotton/fruit and vegetable markets, electronic display board and farmer kiosks have been established in different markets.

About Us ..contd

Model APMC Act

• The National Government circulated the Model APMC Act which was to facilitate the private Sector in establishing, operating and maintaining the modern Agri-Marketing Infrastructure. The amendment proposed are Efficient supply chain, Efficient Market for Marketable surplus, Private Market Yards, Contract Farming, Direct Marketing, Different regulations and levis applicable in different market area, Single license across the state, Single point levy of Market fee, Provision of electronic auction, E-Kisan Mandi & E-Marketing as mode of price discovery, To provide better price to farmers and to improve supply chain reduce wastages and create a Unified National Market, Use of latest technology and use of Market Intelligence System, Rationalization of Market charges, Setting up of check posts, Rationalization of access documentations etc.

About Us ..contd • In India 22 States have already amended the APMC Act according to Model Act

but private sector has not yet participated in the way it was expected, only few private markets applications were received by Karnataka and Maharashtra Government.

• Even the States which have established Modern Market Infrastructure by investing in land and construction, the response of private sector for operating and maintaining this Infrastructure is very Luke warm. Punjab has invested heavily in modern marketing infrastructure . Pack houses, Grading lines, Ripening chambers etc were established by APMCs. A modern Fruit & Vegetable mandi has been established – total cost 100 crore planned to run it under PPP mode but response from the repute /experienced private players is Luke warm

• The Bihar State has abolished the APMC Act. Regarding this the study was conducted by NIAM shows that Agriculture Marketing Activities has been deteriorated after this (Study conduct by Dr. Jairath) because the private sector has not invested in this sector in the State and no New Agri-Infrastructure has been created rather the situation of existing Infrastructure has been deteriorated.

• So, there is an urgent need to have impact analysis of the States who have amended/abolished the APMC Act.

Computerization in Punjab Mandi Board

• Started in 1985 with Super Micro-32 server with 4 terminals

• Options were taken from the existing employees to join computerization projects

• Three software i.e. Payroll, Financial Accounting and Statistical Accounting were developed by ESPL, Mohali (Electronic System Punjab Limited – A govt undertaking)

• Own personnel given training from Government as well as private institutions

Computerization in Punjab Mandi Board ..contd

• Software developed by companies had to be modified very frequently as requirements were not precise

• Our own officials developed all these software in house in COBOL and re-developed these as per the new technologies/OS

• Slowly entire data was shifted from the original software into in-house developed software

• Till now, these software are operational and have data of above mentioned software from 1990 –by clicking few buttons

• In-house Payroll, GPF, Financial and Statistical Accounting packages were developed side by side at that time

• In the year 2000, departmental website www.mandiboard.nic.in developed and hosted by NIC

Computerization in Punjab Mandi Board .contd

• In 2011, six professionals were recruited to look after the requirements of computerization and development of software - – E-mail System – E-tendering (Ist in the State) – E-Pragati – any Citizen can see the details of development activity in

his or any other village – Arhtia’s License management system – Estate & Colonisation Software – Training management system – Estate and Colonization Software – Legal software – Human Resource Management System

Computerization in Punjab Mandi Board ..cont

• Unawareness • Fear of shifting from typewriter to computer • Fear of responsibility & close mindset • Fear of new technology – leakage of

information, dependence on a particular person

Problems Faced

• Departmental website www.mandiboard.nic.in is being maintained by the department itself

• Online payment system for Estate (for the payment of instalments of plots sale/purchase online)

• Online data on arrivals of crops in Mandis and market fee collected by APMCs of state - with one click

• Work on CPF as well as new payroll system for Punjab Mandi Board and Market Committees in progress

Present Status of Computerisation

• In late 90’s, computers were provided to all the branches with Internet facility.

• Employees were motivated to use these computers – offered many free services like games, free internet etc. to catch their interest

• Were also forced to work on computers. In the case of Financial management & Salaries, audit was asked to clear only computerised bills

• .

How we overcome

• Internet based Intra office e-mail system (In Gurmukhi) was developed and implemented in the whole State. Every communication was forced through this network. A very successful project which was not only an efficient, transparent and instant but a lot of money saver.

• This software brought awareness in the field offices – tremendous.

How we overcome .cont

AGMARKNET in

Punjab

A success story

Problems of farmers

• No source of price information for farmers

• No source of information on production

• No source of information on new farming technologies

• No source of allied agricultural sources of income i.e. farming, dairy etc.

• No source of information of Govt. Schemes/subsidies

• No source of information of weather forecasting

Agmarknet ..contd

• Lack of awareness & knowledge in APMCSs

• Lack of AGMARKNET knowledge

• Lack of coordination with DMI & NIC

• Doubts over sharing information

• Fear of getting cross checked

• Lack of Internet connectivity

• Commitment level

Problems in computerization

• Software problems

• Hardware problems

• Manpower problems -

• APMCs situated in remote areas faced many problems – had to come to the District HQ/Head Office

How did we overcome?

• General Computer Training • Computer branch conducted one week various residential computer training programs at

HO level in which training of Microsoft office, Internet , Intra office e-mail system were given. . Major problem was hardware as even minor problems of mouse, keyboard, power, font etc. could not be sorted out by themselves. So, minor hardware knowledge was also included in the training.

• Initially optional then mandatory

• AGMARKNET - Training • Conducted various training programs for all deputed APMC officials at HQ level followed

by district level, with the help of DMI and NIC. Keeping in view the progress of the reporting by APMC , non-reporting or wrong reporting officials were called for clarifications again and again till they reported successfully

How did we overcome .contd • Internet Awareness

• Provided knowledge of Internet and its benefits in the field of agriculture as well as use of internet in day today life so that they may use it more frequently and take advantage in their personal life also. Internet trainings were given with the special reference of agriculture.

• Regular meetings with NIC at District Level for rectification of problems in Agmarknet Software.

• Conducted 32 awareness camps with Officials and farmers so that farmers may raise their voice to feed the information

BUT GOT NO EXPECTED RESULTS

How did we overcome?...contd • Co-ordination with the host DMI and implementing agency NIC

• Frequent meetings with DMI and NIC were initiated in regard to problems faced by APMC’s. Software was the major problem which was to be tackled by NIC. Initially the S/W was developed offline and after feeding the data on the designated computer an e-mail was sent to DMI. So, if the system was down or software was not working, the report could not be sent. Punjab Mandi Board tried to overcome this problem by developing its web based software which worked efficiently. Now, the reports could be sent on AGMARKNET portal from any computer, anytime. Moved from machine specific system to web based system – resolved the twin problems of Internet connectivity in the office and working on the specific machine. In this respect it was suggested to DMI to make this software online to overcome t least these two problems.

• Formation of dedicated core team (35)

BUT STILL GOT NO EXPECTED RESULTS

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

Henry Ford

NIC

PMB

DMI

Formation of Core Team The main issue was how to assist the officials of APMC’s in

feeding the report as they were not of computer background. Even minor hardware or software problems they could not resolve. It was very difficult to give extensive training to all.

Keeping in view, 2-3 officials, from each District, who had basic knowledge of computers were selected.

Basic training of computer hardware and extensive training of Agmarknet Software given at HQ level. The local personnel of DMI & NIC were extensively involved

Sent back to train & assist 3-4 APMC’s of their respective regions/Districts.

Formation of Core Team …contd

District level NIC officials were the first source of information/guidance before approaching HQ.

Reported HQ for problems & suggestions if not sorted out at their level.

Direct contact & close supervision of Core Team Members – bypassing the APMC hierarchy

TA/DA permitted when visiting the allocated APMC’s

Free hand to resolve problems

Morale Boosting of Core Team

• Appreciation for the best performers

• Certificates to best performers in the State level function, to the First three in the State, based on reporting of APMC’s of their jurisdiction.

• Promised to get cash incentive to all the operators from GOI - was done by GOI

PSAMB

District

APMC

CTM NIC

Working of Core Team …contd

Meetings with Core Team Members

Core Team Meetings

Core Team Meetings

Core Team Meetings

Core Team Meetings

Core Team Meetings

Appreciation to Core Team

Phase wise installation of Nodes Year Phase Nodes Awareness Status 2000 I 10 Nil, Employees of APMC’s locked the office &

ran away when installation team reached there

2001 II 37 Slightly better, APMC’s provided space for installation

2003 III 98 Better, APMCS’s wrote Mandi Board to provide computers thru DMI

2005 V 36 Best, Requested again and again to forward their request to DMI

VIII 18 Totals V Phases 199 Fully aware

Now 50 more Node requests are pending with DMI

Key to Success : Daily Monitoring

• At HQ level, every day basis monitoring of the project was undertaken

• APMC’s facing problems were asked to report their core team member first.

• Core team members gave guidance on telephone.

• Core team member visited the respective APMC if the problem was not sorted out on the telephone.

• Contacted DIO, NIC in case of problem & rectified the problem

• Existence of problem was reported to HQ to discuss with DMI/NIC HQ’s

Key to Success : Daily Monitoring ….contd

• The non performers were called & motivated

• Secretary APMC were held responsible for non reporting.

• Negligent, In-efficient, Non performers were tackled hard – charge sheets issued

Key to Success : Daily Monitoring …contd

In house trainings

In house trainings ..contd

Trainings

What we have achieved? Result : State Wise reporting of last 12 months

Month & Year

Maharashtra (361 Nodes)

Gujarat (319 Nodes)

Madhya Pradesh (267 Nodes)

Uttar Pardesh (257 Nodes)

Punjab (199 Nodes)

Andhra Pradesh (196 Nodes)

Reported %age Reported %age Reported %age Reported %age Reported %age Reported %age

Jun-14 121 34 114 36 130 49 88 34 184 92 171 87

Jul-14 141 39 124 39 141 53 88 34 178 89 179 91

Aug-14 148 41 120 38 197 74 85 33 183 92 180 92

Sep-14 153 42 141 44 220 82 85 33 191 96 179 91

Oct-14 137 38 135 42 206 77 82 32 188 94 178 91

Nov-14 150 42 163 51 210 79 84 33 184 92 180 92

Dec-14 150 42 195 61 224 84 97 38 188 94 180 92

Jan-15 148 41 201 63 217 81 100 39 190 96 181 92

Feb-15 97 27 197 62 204 76 103 40 182 91 181 92

Mar-15 134 37 193 61 210 79 101 39 196 98 182 93

Apr-15 149 41 186 58 198 74 103 40 195 98 180 92

May-15 160 44 187 59 186 70 102 40 190 95 179 91 Percentage 39 51 73 36 94 91

Jammu and Kashmir

Difference between Punjab and J&K

• J & K is different from Punjab in climatic, geographical and cropping pattern

• Production and consumption of agriculture commodities

• Education level is also 65% as compared to Punjab 75%

• Matter of distance and remoteness – hilly v/s plain

• More suitable for temperate horticulture crops

Need of the Hour

• Being a food deficit state due to climatic and geographical conditions, AGMARKNET is more important in J & K for the efficient market system – price discovery & returns to farmers

• Due to deficit agriculture land and extreme weather, Sources from non-agricultural avenues like Animal husbandry, Horticulture, Apiculture etc should be encouraged.

Some suggestions

• Agriculture markets are regulated V/s non regulated mandis

• Availability of sufficient computers to HPMCL • Recruitment of technical staff • Sufficient computer training • Regular counselling • Free flow of internet connectivity • Study tours to other states • Appreciation and cash incentives • Motivation • Stress on small in-house software development

Some suggestions

• Zone wise formation of core team as different zones will have different whether cycles and cropping patterns

• Mandatory reporting • Easy computer loans • Frequent trainer’s training programs • District level co-ordination training by HPMCL, DMI and

NIC • Close monitoring by - dedicated cell is a MUST

Future Challenges

Apples grown in the farms of Sh. Harman Singh Randhawa / Gurinder Bajwa in Hoshiarpur - Punjab

Thanks