Click, List, Sell: How NE-RACE is changing life for North East farmers

The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal serves farmers in the North Eastern Region (NER) by providing direct access to buyers throughout India. The online portal has made it easy for farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and cooperatives to sell their produce without any middlemen.

The portal has recorded 6,807 sellers who registered by January 23, 2026. On the other hand, 735 buyers are registered on the portal. A total of 1,797 agri-commodities are listed for trade. So far, the portal has helped generate total sales worth Rs 895.56 lakh.

The figures show that the platform is steadily improving market access and income opportunities for farmers across the region.

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How is NE-RACE helping farmers connect directly with buyers?

The NE-RACE portal works like an online marketplace. It brings farmers and buyers together on one platform. Products can be listed by farmers, and buyers can buy from them directly as well. This reduces the need for middlemen and ensures farmers make better profits.

The portal also offers a multi-lingual helpdesk and helpline. These services guide farmers on how to use the platform. They help with registration, onboarding, and solving daily operational issues. Field-level support and State Coordinators also assist farmers when needed.

This system helps farmers feel more confident about digital selling. It also improves their knowledge of markets and trade.

Sikkim farmers benefit from better market linkages

Farmers in Sikkim have also gained from the NE-RACE portal. Buyers from the state have purchased 130 metric tons of agricultural produce through the platform. The total value of these purchases stands at 54.40 lakh.

In order to help local farmers, 251 farmers from Sikkim have been onboarded on the portal till January 23, 2026. This will help them easily list their products and connect with customers.

All these efforts have opened up new market avenues for small and medium-scale farmers in the state.

What are the support initiatives that are helping to increase farmer participation in Sikkim?

There have been several outreach initiatives that have been taken to help increase farmer participation. Five outreach and onboarding sessions have already been conducted in Sikkim.

In addition, International Buyer–Seller Meets are planned to expand outreach further. These events aim to create more business opportunities and stronger market connections.

The platform also provides logistics-related guidance. This helps farmers manage the transport and delivery of their produce smoothly.

Government highlights progress in Rajya Sabha

The information about the NE-RACE portal was shared by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The government said that the platform is focused on strengthening digital market access and improving farmers’ readiness to sell in national markets. With growing participation from sellers and buyers, the portal is expected to continue supporting farmers across the North Eastern states.

The NE-RACE portal is becoming an important tool to help farmers sell more, earn better, and reach markets across the country with ease.