Aadhaar Number Mandatory To Avail E-NAM Benefits

The Agriculture Ministry has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for availing benefits under the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) scheme.

This applies to both individual farmers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs).

About e-NAM

e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that connects APMC mandis to create a unified market for farm produce.

Definition: FPOs are voluntary organizations formed by farmers with the objective of leveraging economies of scale in production and marketing of agricultural products.
Registration of FPOs: FPOs can be registered under the Companies Act (Part IXA) or the Co-operative Societies Act, depending on the state.
Central Sector Scheme: The Government of India has launched a Central Sector Scheme to form and promote 10,000 FPOs by 2027-28.
- The scheme is being supported by the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
Approaches for FPO Formation: The scheme for FPO formation follows two approaches: the Produce Cluster Area and Commodity-based approaches.

Funding and Ministry: The platform is fully funded by the Central Government and falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
- Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is an Autonomous Society promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture.
  - It is focused on increasing incomes of small and marginal farmers through aggregation and development of agribusiness.
Current Scope of e-NAM:
- 17.9 million farmers and over 4,400 FPOs are registered with the platform.
- 1,473 mandis across 23 states and 4 Union Territories are integrated with e-NAM.
Benefits under e-NAM
- Grants of up to ₹75 lakh per mandi for infrastructure development:
- ₹30 lakh for ICT equipment and internet
- ₹40 lakh for processing and packaging facilities
- ₹5 lakh for composting units
Biometric & Offline Verification: If biometric authentication fails (e.g., fingerprint/iris scan issues), alternative methods will be used: QR code scanning and Paperless e-KYC.

Aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in agri-market transactions.
Part of the government’s broader push to link welfare schemes with Aadhaar to prevent duplication and ensure targeted benefit transfers.

Farmers who don’t have Aadhaar yet can avail benefits until their Aadhaar number is issued by providing:
- Aadhaar enrolment proof
- A valid government-issued ID (e.g., voter card, ration card, passport, school certificate)

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