The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a revolutionary WhatsApp-based system for farmers to sell their grain, making agriculture trading simpler and more accessible than ever before.
Farmers can now start selling their grain by simply sending “HI” to 7337359375 on WhatsApp. This new system eliminates the need for multiple office visits and complicated paperwork that farmers previously faced.
Through this digital platform, farmers can easily specify their preferred collection center, delivery date and time, type of grain, and number of bags they want to sell. The system instantly books their slot and generates a unique coupon code for the transaction.
The new process has completely transformed grain selling in Andhra Pradesh. Instead of the old manual system that required farmers to visit various offices and coordinate with agricultural officials, they can now complete the entire process with just a few WhatsApp messages.
One significant advantage is that farmers aren’t restricted to minimum support prices. The government has provided flexibility for farmers to sell at higher market prices when available. After grain delivery, payments are quickly transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts.
This digital initiative marks a significant shift from the previous administration’s system, which was plagued by corruption and grain mafia issues. The current government is actively using technology to ensure transparent and efficient services for farmers.
Looking ahead, the state AP government plans to expand its use of technology to further improve agricultural services. This WhatsApp-based system is just the beginning of their digital transformation efforts to enhance farmer welfare in Andhra Pradesh.
-Sanyogita