Exploring Innovative Digital Pathways for Horticulture Market Linkage in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

This Request for Proposal (RFP) signifies a collaborative initiative between JICA DX Lab and the Governments of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, aiming to select a technology solution provider (Digital Partner) for a Proof of Concept (PoC) project. The primary objective of the PoC is to validate the effectiveness of a digital/technology solution in elevating the income of farmers by offering market linkage solutions for vegetables and fruits. This includes establishing direct links to buyers, eliminating intermediaries, and improving price realization. The successful completion of the PoC will trigger an evaluation of the solution's feasibility for scaled deployment. The Digital Partner is expected to implement this solution in a minimum of two districts in Himachal Pradesh and at least one district in Uttarakhand, targeting a minimum of 1000 farmers per district. The maximum budget allocation for services is set at USD 150,000, inclusive of all associated taxes and expenses; however, it is worth noting that this budget may be subject to adjustment based on the final PoC plan and related costs. Timely progress reports will provide detailed project analysis and data-driven insights, culminating in a comprehensive final report encompassing PoC results, activities, quantitative and qualitative evaluations based on predetermined KPIs, along with technical, operational, and strategic recommendations for PMU teams of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and JICA.

Nestled in Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, combines fertile land and favorable weather to establish themselves as prominent players in the horticulture industry. These state’s cool climate allows year-round cultivation of key vegetables like peas, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. boosting their agriculture output. Himachal Pradesh excels not only in vegetable production, with a value exceeding INR 3,000 Cr and over 18 Lakh tonnes of vegetables but also in fruit production, surpassing 10 Lakh tonnes per year. Similarly, horticulture sector in Uttarakhand contributes significantly to the state’s economy, with vegetables generating over INR 1,500 Cr and annual vegetable production exceeding 10 Lakh tonnes. Fruit production, including apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, etc. exceeds 6 Lakh tonnes annually. Despite their potential, both the states face challenges, primarily inefficient market access and farmers relying on intermediaries, resulting in 10-15% lower prices than prevailing market rates. Supply chain costs further erode profits, with a substantial 30% loss in the value of horticultural produce.
In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, collaborative endeavors between the government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are underway to enhance farmers' livelihoods. JICA has committed over $100 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans to both states, supporting projects focused on improving agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable crop diversification, and increasing farmers' incomes.

In alignment with these efforts, this RFP is being initiated for the PoC to identify a digital partner capable of complementing JICA and governments initiatives by providing digital market linkage solutions to farmers, facilitating better access to markets for selling their horticultural produce and leading to improved price realization and higher farm incomes.

Join us in revolutionizing the horticulture landscape of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand through digital innovation in the agricultural value chain. Let's work together to make a lasting impact and empower farmers to enhance their livelihoods with the power of technology and collaboration.

【終了しました】We plan to host an information session for bidders in the last week of October 27th, 2023, 12:30-1:30 PM (IST) / 4:00-5:00 PM (JST)If you wish to participate, please contact us at JICADXLab@bcg.com.

Update: the session was held on October 27th and please access to the presentation material.See PDF for details.

We are happy to address any inquiries from Digital Partners via email. Please reach out to us at JICADXLab@bcg.com.