Rural Indian farmers can now connect directly to UAE food industry through new portal

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) free zone has launched an Agriota E-Marketplace to connect millions of rural Indian farmers to the UAE’s food industry, while eliminating middlemen.

The platform uses blockchain technology to connect farmers with different entities in the UAE including food processing companies, traders and wholesalers.

The platform, whose launch was attended by Pavan Kapoor, Ambassador of India to the UAE, will initially offer cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments.

A statement by the Dubai Media Office added that the new portal provides end-to-end traceability and transparency through last-mile verification.

.@DMCCAuthority launches Agriota E-Marketplace, a technology-driven agri-commodity trading & sourcing platform that uses blockchain to help bridge the gap between millions of rural farmers in India and the #UAE’s food industry https://t.co/4IO95eZDo2 pic.twitter.com/dnB7RbkdZd

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 26, 2020

Also, the introduction of a proprietary banking system with a multi-tier escrow structure, will guarantee secure transactions of funds for those using the platform.

The portal was jointly developed with CropData Technology, an Indian company that aids marginal and small farmers, after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a collaboration agreement during his state visit to the UAE in February 2018.

“Harnessing the power of blockchain technologies within the commodity space is a top priority for DMCC, and launching Agriota is the next natural step in this journey. The UAE has a significant history with India, and our agricultural commodities platform takes this symbiotic relationship even further, benefitting the millions of farmers throughout India whilst simultaneously providing greater food security for the UAE,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman and CEO of DMCC.

“The UAE has a comprehensive plan in place to ensure food security and champion agribusiness trade facilitation, with the ultimate goal of positioning our nation as a world leading hub in innovation-driven food security. The launch of an innovative model like Agriota will inch the UAE closer to the top of the Global Food Security Index,” he added.
In 2019, India reportedly exported over $38bn of agricultural and processed food products, with the Middle East being one of its largest export markets.

Earlier this year in July, DMCC announced its plans to replicate the successful business model behind its tea and coffee operation by building a new infrastructure and logistics centre in JAFZA to facilitate the trade of cacao, pepper, chillies and spices, and the possibility of expanding those other commodities including cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, ginger, sesame seeds and cashew nuts.

This month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that food and water security initiatives are a priority for the country.

Read: Sheikh Mohammed reiterates UAE’s drive to enhance food and water security

As part the UAE cabinet restructuring in July, it was decided that UAE Minister of State for Food Security Mariam bint Mohammad Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi will also be a part of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.