Patna: Farmers in Bihar will soon be able to pre-book fertilisers based on their crop and landholding details through a new mobile application, reducing uncertainty over fertiliser availability and quantities during the crop season.
The second phase of the Framework for Fertilizer Sale Application System (FSAS) will be rolled out in 19 districts, including Muzaffarpur, from September 1, according to the state agriculture department.
The digital system is being jointly developed by the Department of Fertilizers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The mobile-based platform aims to make fertiliser distribution more transparent, organised, farmer-centric and demand-driven.
How the fertiliser booking system will work
Under the new system, farmers will use their Kisan identity number, land details and crop information to access the fertiliser recommendations for their crops.
Based on the general fertiliser recommendations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the system will display the proposed fertiliser requirement for the entire crop season.
Farmers will be able to select the quantity they require and book it in advance. After booking, a QR code will be generated, which farmers can show at an authorised retail outlet to collect the allotted quantity of fertiliser.
The QR code will remain valid for three days after issuance. If it is not used within that period, it will automatically be cancelled.
19 districts covered in second phase
The system was initially tested as a pilot project in Vaishali and Sheikhpura. Following the successful pilot, it was expanded to five districts in the first phase.
The second phase will cover:
- Patna
- Muzaffarpur
- Darbhanga
- Samastipur
- Begusarai
- East Champaran
- West Champaran
- Sitamarhi
- Madhubani
- Saran
- Siwan
- Gopalganj
- Saharsa
- Supaul
- Madhepura
- Purnia
- Katihar
- Araria
- Bhagalpur
Training for officials and personnel involved in implementing the system will be conducted through video conferencing from August 25. Two master trainers will be appointed in each district.
Help desks to assist farmers
The new system will also cover farmers whose land is registered in their own name, in the name of ancestors or whose land details are not recorded in the relevant land records, according to the department.
Agriculture coordinators and farmer advisers will be responsible for resolving such issues within two working days. Problems may also be escalated through designated officials at the block, subdivision and district levels.
Help desks or control rooms will be established at both district and block levels to assist farmers with problems related to the new fertiliser booking system.
The government expects the digital system to improve monitoring of fertiliser demand and distribution while making it easier for farmers to access fertilisers according to their actual crop requirements.
