The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare recently unveiled the ‘Kisan Rath’ mobile application, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), an organization supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The app, initially available in eight languages including English and Hindi, is intended to aid in the transportation of foodgrains and perishable goods during periods of lockdown.
Kisan Rath: Connecting Farmers and Traders
The Kisan Rath app aims to connect farmers and traders to a substantial network of transport options. Initially, this will comprise over 5 lakh trucks and 20,000 tractors. This initiative is designed to support farmers and traders seeking vehicles for transporting their produce.
Two tiers of transport service
The Kisan Rath app provides primary and secondary transport services. Primary transport pertains to the movement of produce from farms to local mandis, warehouses, or the collection centers of farmer producer organizations. Secondary transport refers to the transit of these items from local mandis to intra-and inter-State mandis, processing units, railway stations, warehouses, or wholesalers.
Exception amid Lockdown
In recognition of the challenges faced by the farming community, the Government has granted relaxation in the nationwide lockdown for activities related to agriculture-farming and allied activities. This allows important farming operations and trade to continue, minimizing potential disruptions in the food supply chain.
Benefits of the Kisan Rath App
The Kisan Rath app is envisioned as a catalyst towards providing timely transportation service at competitive rates for farmers and traders. It also seeks to aid in reducing food wastage, an issue that has both economic and environmental implications. By ensuring efficient transport of produce, the app can potentially ensure better market prices for farmers, improving their income and enhancing overall rural prosperity.
This innovative solution from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to resolve logistical challenges, particularly in these trying times. The Kisan Rath app brings the promise of maintaining a steady flow of essential goods, ensuring these items reach the marketplaces on time and in good condition, supporting both the farming community and the consumers who rely on their produce.
Source: TH
Last Modified: February 7, 2024