The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) are reportedly in discussions to offer subsidized tomatoes on the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform in Delhi NCR. The online sale of tomatoes on ONDC is currently in testing mode, and the authorities are expected to announce it soon at a subsidized rate of INR 70 per kg. This move will provide relief to consumers as tomato prices have surged to INR 160 per kg in certain parts of the country.
Expansion Plans for Subsidized Tomato Sale
The government has set the commencement of the subsidized tomato sale on ONDC in Delhi NCR, with plans to expand it to other cities. The government requested agricultural marketing agencies NCCF and NAFED to sell tomatoes at a subsidized price of INR 90 per kg, which they later reduced to INR 70 per kg, as an initiative to alleviate the impact of rising tomato prices.
Significance of ONDC’s Growth
This development highlights the growing significance of ONDC in the ecommerce sector. While subsidized tomatoes were available in retail markets, this move aims to target online shoppers and bolster the ONDC platform’s outreach.
Democratizing Ecommerce through ONDC
Last year, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade launched an open network called ONDC, aiming to democratize the ecommerce sector and facilitate the participation of small businesses. Since its inception, ONDC has gradually expanded its presence in various cities and sectors. Earlier this month, it went Beta live in five additional cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Chennai, and achieved a milestone of surpassing 35,000 daily orders.
ONDC Future Expansion into the Fintech Space
ONDC has already disrupted various sectors like food and grocery delivery and is now eyeing entry into the fintech space. With its growing influence and successful initiatives like the subsidized tomato sale, ONDC’s aims to make further strides in revolutionizing the ecommerce landscape and fostering the growth of small businesses in India.
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