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Role of Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts in Agriculture

A Comprehensive Guide to e-NWRs and Their Benefits

Role of Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts in Agriculture

  • 09 Oct, 2024
  • 444

What is an Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR)?

An electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) is a digital document provided by registered warehouses, confirming the deposit of agricultural goods. This receipt serves as proof of ownership and can be utilized for trading, obtaining loans, and transferring stored commodities.

How Does e-NWR Work?

The e-NWR is maintained in an electronic repository, which functions as a secure and centralized system for managing and tracking these receipts. Each e-NWR is associated with the shelf-life of the commodity until it is withdrawn from storage.

Purpose of Introducing e-NWR

The e-NWR system was designed to eliminate risks linked to traditional paper-based warehouse receipts, such as fraud, damage, and unauthorized access. By ensuring greater transparency and reducing operational risks, e-NWRs facilitate easier access to finance for farmers.

Advantages of e-NWR for Farmers

  • Access to Credit: Farmers can leverage e-NWRs to secure loans from banks, thus preventing distress sales during low price periods.
  • Safe Storage: e-NWRs provide scientific and secure storage for agricultural produce in accredited warehouses.
  • Avoiding Post-Harvest Losses: They help farmers efficiently manage their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
  • Trading Opportunities: e-NWRs can be utilized for trading commodities on various platforms, allowing farmers to sell when market prices are favorable.

Role of the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)

The WDRA oversees the implementation of the e-NWR system under the Warehousing (Development & Regulation) Act, 2007. It ensures that warehouses adhere to specific standards and that e-NWRs are issued according to regulations.

Key Features of e-NWR

  • Digital Format: e-NWRs exist solely in electronic form.
  • Security and Confidentiality: The repository guarantees confidentiality, integrity, and availability of e-NWR data.
  • Time Validity: e-NWRs are valid for the duration of the commodity's shelf-life or until withdrawal.
  • Restrictions on Dual Use: e-NWRs cannot be used for multiple transactions simultaneously, minimizing fraud risks.

Consequences of Loan Default on e-NWR

If a loan against an e-NWR is not repaid, the e-NWR may be auctioned under specific conditions, such as non-payment, failure to claim delivery, or damage to the stored commodity.

Challenges Addressed by e-NWR System

The e-NWR system tackles issues like fraudulent receipts, multiple loans on the same stock, unauthorized withdrawals, and discrepancies in stock value, which were prevalent with the traditional paper-based approach.

Who Can Issue e-NWRs?

Only accredited and registered warehouses recognized by the WDRA are permitted to issue e-NWRs through authorized repositories such as M/s CCRL and M/s NeRL.

Impact of e-NWR on the Agricultural Sector

The e-NWR system encourages improved storage practices, increases warehouse accountability, reduces financial risks, and ultimately assists in stabilizing farmer incomes by providing them with control over the timing and method of selling their produce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of e-NWR for farmers?
Answer: e-NWR is crucial for farmers as it offers secure storage, access to credit, and reduces post-harvest losses, empowering them to manage their produce effectively.

Q2. How does the e-NWR system improve transparency?
Answer: The e-NWR system enhances transparency by eliminating risks of fraud and ensuring secure digital documentation of commodity ownership.

Q3. Can e-NWRs be used for multiple transactions?
Answer: No, e-NWRs cannot be utilized for multiple transactions simultaneously, thereby minimizing the risk of fraud.

Q4. Who regulates the e-NWR system in India?
Answer: The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) regulates the implementation of the e-NWR system to ensure compliance with standards.

Q5. What happens to e-NWRs if a loan is not repaid?
Answer: If a loan against an e-NWR is defaulted, the receipt may be auctioned under certain conditions, such as non-payment or damage to the commodity.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does an e-NWR represent in agriculture?
A) A digital loan document
B) A receipt for agricultural produce storage
C) A trading certificate
D) A government subsidy document
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who can issue e-NWRs in India?
A) Any farmer
B) Only government agencies
C) Accredited warehouses registered with WDRA
D) Private traders
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What is a major benefit of e-NWRs for farmers?
A) Increased crop yield
B) Secure access to credit
C) Reduced labor costs
D) Government grants
Correct Answer:

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