Improving Farmer Income through Digitisation: An Intersection of Ideas for Public Policy

Since the idea of doubling farmers’ income (DFI) was conceived, the union government of India deliberated upon continued income growth of the farmers through improved market linkages and self-sustainable models. Meanwhile, in the longer run, the government has worked upon optimal return and sustainability on farm produce, along with better resource utilisation and extending knowledge-based services. e-NAM was one of the latest digital interventions to achieve ‘one price-one market-in-one nation’, lowering transaction costs for farmers and alleviating price volatility over uncertain demand and supply conditions. This study identifies current gaps and elaborates upon the improvement of the process through efficient implementation, feedback response, and adaptability issues. We further our research by analysing the impact of digital platforms using secondary data and case studies to achieve successful outcomes of the platform. It will allow transparency, build accountability, enable entrepreneurship, and even ease the flow of investments in the agricultural sector. We also cover the aspects of the policy-level changes required to increase the effectiveness of digital intervention. Finally, we build a case to recognise the platform as a public good and to be part of a digitally powered future.