Details about Market Research Information Network
The objective of the Scheme is:
- To establish a Nationwide market information Network for speedy collection and
- To facilitate collection and dissemination of information related to better price dissemination of market information and data for its efficient and timely utilization. realization and market access by the farmers. This would cover:
- Market-related information
- Price related information
- Infrastructure related information
- Market requirement-related information
- To sensitize and orient farmers to respond to new challenges in agricultural marketing by using IT as a vehicle of extension.
- To improve efficiency in agricultural marketing through regular training and extension for reaching region-specific farmers in their local language.
- To provide assistance for marketing research to generate market information for its dissemination to farmers and other market functionaries at the grass root level to create an ambiance of good marketing practices in the country.
- The information relating to the Schemes in respect of agricultural marketing implemented by the Government Departments and central agencies. Once the farm produce is standardized and labeled, backed by quality certification, it can be directly offered for sale on spot exchange in national and international markets.
The scheme is being implemented by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection with technical assistance from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and in association with the State Agricultural Marketing Boards/Directorates and APMCs. More than 3200 markets are covered under the scheme and more than 2700 markets are reporting data at the Agmarknet portal. More than 350 commodities and 2000 varieties are covered under the scheme.
Implementation Plan
- The agencies involved in the execution of the sub-scheme are Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), National Informatics Centre (NIC), State Governments through State Agriculture Marketing Boards (SAMBs)/Directorates, other National and State level institutions and individual market committees/authorities that are applicable in the country.
- Efforts would be made to involve private sectors to collect data and maintain the database. PPP options would be explored to bring expertise and value addition to this activity.
- Supply of computers, including installation, would be implemented by IT Division of DAC and other sources such as NIC, APMC and State Departments/agencies.
- AGMARKNET team is strengthened frequently by outsourcing professionals to monitor and update the portal according to GFR provisions with prior approval of IFD.
- The State Implementing Agencies provide DMI with the list of remaining markets that have to be covered for connectivity and replacement of old computers under the sub-scheme.
- Market node collects and transmits relevant information to the State level and AGMARKNET portal.
- The SAMB/Department nominates a nodal officer to coordinate the functioning of the nodes.
- The State level nodal officer ensures that market-level officials perform their functions regularly to keep the nodes operational.
- The data reporting officials at the nodes and the State level nodal officer would be motivated to provide regular market data.
- The instrument/device used for data uploading and other official purposes would be kept under the safe custody of the marketing personnel, who is assigned the responsibility for breakage/damage or any malfunctioning due to mishandling.
- A new version of GIS-based Atlas would be enabled by NIC for content enrichment, and the system would be put in place for regular data updates to make the portal more user-friendly.
- Electronic Display Boards/Price Ticker would be provided at every networked market for the display of minimum and maximum price of important commodities.
- Strategic alliances would be developed with corporate, telecom players and private users to strengthen marketing intelligence services through sharing of AGMARKNET data and their dissemination to the farmers through SMS/voice mail/apps through mobile phones etc.
- Facilities would be developed on the farmers portal to register for daily information on prices in nearby markets of their choice.
- Data collected are shared with these agencies without any charges.
What are the benefits of Market Research Information Network?
Mandi rates are disseminated on the portal. Rate availability of all the Mandis facilitates the growers and sellers to sell and purchase their products at good rates.