The Rajasthan government is gradually expanding the Framework for Fertilizer Sale system across the state to ensure that subsidised fertilizers are easily available to farmers according to their actual requirements, while curbing black marketing and hoarding.
Based on digital technology, the system aims to make the entire process of fertilizer demand, availability and distribution more transparent and accountable. The initiative is being implemented in phases through the new Version 3.77 of the DBT PoS application.
The digital fertilizer distribution system has already been implemented in 18 districts of Rajasthan, with the Agriculture Department planning to extend it across the entire state in a phased manner.
Pilot Project in Sirohi and Rajsamand
Agriculture Commissioner Naresh Kumar Goyal said the Framework for Fertilizer Sale has been successfully implemented in Sirohi and Rajsamand districts. The positive results recorded during the pilot project demonstrated the usefulness of a digital and farmer-centric fertilizer distribution system.
In the next phase, five districts—Bundi, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Dholpur and Churu—were added to the system. Version 3.77 of the DBT PoS application was subsequently expanded to 11 more districts: Baran, Dausa, Hanumangarh, Dungarpur, Jalore, Jhalawar, Karauli, Kota, Pratapgarh, Sawai Madhopur and Tonk.
More Than 100,000 Farmers Booked Urea
According to Goyal, more than 100,000 farmers booked nearly 15,000 metric tonnes of urea digitally during the first two phases. Farmers have reportedly found the process simple, convenient and useful.
Under the new system, farmers can book fertilizer according to their requirements. After booking, they receive a token valid for 48 hours, which can be used to collect the fertilizer from a nearby authorised fertilizer dealer. If the farmer fails to collect the fertilizer within the 48-hour validity period, a fresh booking will have to be made.
The Agriculture Department expects the new system to give priority to farmers with genuine requirements and improve transparency in fertilizer distribution. It is also expected to reduce the need for farmers to visit multiple distribution centres and stand in long queues to obtain fertilizer.
Fertilizer Sales Linked to Farmer ID
Under the new system, fertilizer sales will be carried out using the Farmer ID. According to the Agriculture Department, Farmer IDs have so far been generated for 88.85 lakh farmers across Rajasthan.
The department is also in the process of establishing an AgriStack Commissionerate, which is expected to further strengthen digital agricultural services and farmer-centric systems in the state.
The Agriculture Department believes that digital sales will help prevent the unauthorised sale of subsidised urea and ensure that fertilizer reaches genuine farmers according to their requirements. The system is also expected to discourage unnecessary purchases and help prioritise farmers who genuinely need fertilizer.
System to Check Unauthorised Tagging
The digital distribution system is also expected to help address complaints of dealers charging farmers more than the prescribed price and forcing them to purchase other products along with fertilizer.
With digital transactions and stock monitoring, officials and dealers will have better visibility of the actual fertilizer stock available at different points in the distribution chain. This is expected to improve monitoring and help identify irregularities more effectively.
Rajasthan to Receive Financial Incentives
The state government is also receiving financial incentives for implementing the digital fertilizer distribution system.
According to the Agriculture Department, Rajasthan has received an incentive of around ₹175 crore for implementing the system in Sirohi and Rajsamand. If the system is implemented across the entire state, the state is expected to receive financial incentives of around ₹675 crore.