Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India (lead agency: SFAC) |
| Benefit | Online bidding for your produce, transparent prices and online payment |
| Who can use it | Farmers, traders, buyers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) |
| How it is paid | Online payment by RTGS, NEFT, UPI or bank transfer, with some cash allowed as per state limits |
| Apply at | enam.gov.in, the e-NAM mobile app, or your local APMC mandi |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- e-NAM links existing APMC mandis into one national online market.
- Farmers can bid through the mobile app or through registered commission agents.
- Crops are weighed, sold and paid for online, usually on the same day.
- The scheme is available in mandis that have been integrated with e-NAM in your state.
So what does a farmer actually get from e-NAM?
e-NAM gives you a wider market for your produce. Buyers from many mandis can bid for your crop online.
Bidding is transparent. You can see prices and the progress of your lot in real time on the app.
Payment is made online, so you do not have to chase traders for cash after the sale.
Farmers can also take part of the payment in cash, as per the limits set by their state, and the rest in their bank account.
Who can use e-NAM, and who cannot?
e-NAM is open to farmers who sell their produce through a participating APMC mandi. Your state and mandi must be integrated with e-NAM.
Farmers can trade directly on the mobile app, or through a registered commission agent who trades on their behalf.
Traders, buyers and Farmer Producer Organisations can also register. FPOs are encouraged to register to get the benefits of transparent trading.
Mandis that are not yet integrated with e-NAM cannot use the platform. Check the e-NAM coverage list on the website for your area.
Why was e-NAM started, and what has changed recently?
e-NAM was launched on 14 April 2016 by the Government of India. The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) runs it.
The aim is to create one national market for farm produce. It also aims to reduce information gaps between buyers and sellers.
Many new mandis have been added in recent years, including in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The number of connected mandis keeps growing.
Features like gate entry from the mobile app, payment through UPI and a farmer database have been added over time.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and a bank account in your own name, linked with your mobile number.
Keep your mobile phone ready, since the app and OTP alerts need it.
If you sell through an agent, keep the agent's registration details with you. Carry your produce details and any mandi entry slip.
How do you start trading on e-NAM, step by step?
Download the e-NAM mobile app, or visit enam.gov.in and choose the farmer registration option.
Enter your mobile number, Aadhaar details and bank details, and verify with the OTP.
Choose your state and mandi, and add your produce details.
Use the advance gate entry feature to save time when you reach the mandi. Then follow the bidding on the app.
- 1Download the appGet the e-NAM app, or visit enam.gov.in and choose the farmer registration option.
- 2Register and verifyEnter your mobile number, Aadhaar and bank details, then verify with the OTP.
- 3Choose mandi and produceSelect your state and mandi, and add your produce details.
- 4Gate entry and biddingUse advance gate entry when you reach the mandi, then follow the bidding on the app.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you get your payment, and what if it is stuck?
Once the bidding is over, your payment comes online to your bank account, usually the same day.
If payment is delayed, first check the transaction status in the app. Then contact your mandi office.
For help with registration or trading, call the e-NAM toll-free number, 1800 270 0224.
What tips and warnings should you keep in mind?
Never pay anyone to register you on e-NAM. Registration and trading are free through the official portal and mandi offices.
Be careful of callers or messages asking for your OTP or bank password. Never share them with anyone.
Check which mandis in your state are connected to e-NAM before you travel to sell your produce.
Frequently asked questions
Is e-NAM free to use?
Yes, farmers can register and trade on e-NAM free of charge. Never pay anyone to register you.
Can I sell through an agent instead of the app?
Yes. You can trade directly on the app, or through a registered commission agent who trades for you.
Will I get paid in cash?
Partly, if your state allows it. Cash is paid up to the state limit, and the rest comes to your bank account.
Is e-NAM available in every mandi?
No. It is available only in mandis that have been connected to e-NAM. Check the list on the official website.
Who runs e-NAM?
The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead agency, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
