MARGAO
The resumption of monsoon showers after a prolonged dry spell has brought relief to Goa's farming community, but many farmers are now facing a fresh challenge — the mandatory use of the Framework for Fertiliser Sale (FFS) mobile app to procure subsidised fertilisers.
Under the Government of India's pilot project, launched in Goa around mid-July, farmers must register on the FFS App and place their orders digitally to purchase chemical fertilisers such as urea from authorised retailers.
Agriculture Department officials confirmed that the FFS App will now be the only platform through which farmers can book and obtain their fertiliser requirements. Farmers who fail to register on the app will not be able to purchase subsidised fertilisers.
The move has sparked concern, particularly among farmers in rural areas who do not own Android smartphones or are unfamiliar with digital applications.
A progressive farmer from Salcete said many cultivators in the countryside could face serious difficulties in accessing subsidised fertilisers under the new system.
"Online services may have their own advantages, but implementing this pilot project without considering farmers who do not have access to smartphones could deprive them of timely supplies of subsidised fertilisers," the farmer said.
Sources said that ZAOs as well as subsidised fertiliser outlets have witnessed farmers queuing to seek details of the app and book their quota of fertilisers.
Agri Dept allays fears
Agriculture Department officials, however, sought to allay the concerns. Goa State Fertiliser Inspector Nilesh Khanvilkar said the pilot project has been introduced by the central government to prevent the diversion of subsidised fertilisers for non-agricultural purposes.
Addressing concerns over farmers without smartphones, Khanvilkar said it is not mandatory for farmers to own an Android device. "They can download and use the app through the mobile phones of their children, relatives or even neighbours. The important requirement is that they are able to register and place their fertiliser orders," he said.
To facilitate the rollout, the Agriculture Department has instructed all Zonal Agriculture Officers (ZAOs) to assist farmers in registering on the FFS App using their Aadhaar cards and help them book fertiliser requirements in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Apprentice help at dealer outlets
Meanwhile, Agriculture Director Chandrahas Desai has directed every Zonal Agriculture Office to deploy one apprentice at designated fertiliser dealer outlets from July 20 to July 25 to support the implementation of the FFS Mobile App across the State.
The apprentices have been tasked with assisting farmers in registering on the app, placing fertiliser orders, educating them about the features and benefits of the digital system, resolving basic operational issues during the initial rollout, and assisting fertiliser dealers in ensuring smooth operations.
The department believes the temporary deployment will help create awareness among farmers, ease the transition to the new digital fertiliser distribution system, and ensure the successful implementation of the FFS Mobile App in Goa.
