look news india
The farmers of the country are soon going to get relief from the problem of standing in long queues for hours outside the fertilizer sales centers or cooperative societies (PACS) to buy urea, DAP and other essential fertilizers during the peak sowing season. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has launched a dedicated WhatsApp Chatbot (Fertilizer Booking Service) with the aim of making the fertilizer distribution system hi-tech and transparent.
Under this digital system, farmers will now be able to check the availability of fertilizer sitting at home through their smartphone or simple WhatsApp, book fertilizer advance as per their need and get digital token containing QR code. By showing this token, fertilizer can be easily obtained without any hassle by going to the prescribed time and centre.
Black marketing and long queues will be completely curbed
In the traditional distribution system, farmers often had to face black marketing, overrating and unnecessary hustle and bustle. With this new token system based on WhatsApp, the entire supply chain can be tracked in real time.
Every farmer will be allotted a fixed quantity of fertilizer on the basis of his land area (Khatauni/land records) and Aadhaar verification (e-KYC). This will not only completely eliminate the interference of middlemen, but fertilizers will also reach the real needy farmers on time and at the right price.
How to get QR code token sitting at home in 10 easy steps?
Kisan Bhai can generate his digital token from his mobile by following 10 easy steps given below:
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Save official number: Save the official WhatsApp chatbot mobile number issued by the Agriculture Department in your phone.
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Send initial message: by opening whatsapp chat ‘Hi’ Or ‘hello’ Send it in writing.
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Language selection: Select your preferred language (Hindi/English or regional language) from the options provided by the chatbot.
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Enter Aadhaar and Farmer Registration: Enter your 12 digit Aadhaar number or State Farmer Registration Number (Farmer ID).
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OTP Verification: Verify identity by entering the 6 digit one-time password (OTP) received on the registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
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Selection of fertilizer and quantity: Select the fertilizer you require (Urea, DAP, NPK, Potash etc.) and fill the number of bags.
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Select nearest center and date: Select your block/district, choose the nearest available cooperative society (PACS), IFFCO center or authorized dealer and fix a convenient date to collect the fertilizer.
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Confirm Details: Check the total amount payable, number of bags and address of the delivery center displayed on the screen and press ‘Confirm’ button.
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Get Digital QR Code Token: Once confirmed, the chatbot will send a digital token to your WhatsApp, which will contain the QR code, date and time slot.
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Get fertilizer by visiting the center: Go to the selected center on the scheduled day and time, get the PoS machine operator to scan the QR code and get your fertilizer by giving Aadhaar biometrics.
Transparency and time saving of farmers
With this digital initiative, farmers will be assured of getting fertilizer and will be freed from frequent trips to the centres. Through the chatbot, farmers will also be able to know in real time how much stock of which fertilizer is currently available at their nearest centre.