The government is set to launch a mobile application, coined “Uber for tractors”, to facilitate the hiring process of high-cost agricultural equipment. A transformation in the digital era, this initiative aims to connect over 38,000 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) across the nation, akin to how Uber maps out cabs for individuals. With an impressive allocation of 2.5 lakh farm equipment pieces annually, these CHCs will soon be at the fingertips of users, providing accessibility within a specific radius and listing their respective rates.
Features and Benefits of the Mobile Application
The upcoming mobile application is designed with features which enable convenience and informed decision-making for customers. Users have the advantage of sifting through multiple CHCs available within a 5, 20 or 50 km location radius and their listed rates.
Customer reviews will be another significant feature, where feedback is taken from both the CHC and farmers using the services. This would allow other users to make decisions based on these rating systems. The application also hosts a valuable database for policy-makers, who can track the usage and cost of equipment, aiding them in making informed policies.
Amping up promotion of new government-supported technology will be another key function of this app. For instance, tracking the usage of newly introduced technology like the Happy Seeder, aimed at preventing stubble burning and thus reducing air pollution, or solar dryers that assist farmers in processing and preserving their produce.
Solar Dryers: An Innovative Solution for Multiple Industries
Solar dryers are facilities that utilise solar energy for drying purposes. They operate by heating air through solar energy collectors, which can be installed in modules as per hot air requirements. Industries such as textiles, food processing, paper, pharmaceutical, and agro-industries have deployed this innovative and environment-friendly technology.
| Industry | Use of Solar Dryer |
|---|---|
| Textile | Drying of dyed fabric |
| Food Processing | Drying of food products for preservation |
| Paper | Drying of paper pulp |
| Pharmaceutical | Drying of medical ingredients |
| Agro-industries | Drying of agricultural produce |
A Closer Look at Customer Hiring Centres (CHCs)
Customer Hiring Centres (CHCs) are units that comprise of a set of farm machinery, implements and equipment meant to be hired by farmers. They cater remarkably to the needs of marginal farmers, those who own less than two hectares of land. These farmers, due to their economic constraints, cannot afford farm machinery individually or through institutional credit. Hence, CHCs are promoted on a large scale to address this problem and make farm machinery more accessible to small and marginal farmers. Ideally, CHCs should be located within 5 to 7 kms of such land holdings to reduce transport cost and time.