The Ministry of Textiles recently launched a new mobile application, “Paat-Mitro”, at the Jute Symposium. The application, developed by the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI), was designed to provide comprehensive support to jute farmers and is available in six languages, free of cost. The application offers several features that can aid jute farmers in enhancing their productivity and profitability.
Features of Paat-Mitro Application
Paat-Mitro provides information on agronomic practices, which are essential for successful jute cultivation. Farmers can access information on key farming techniques, soil nutrition management, pest and disease control methods, and harvesting processes.
The app also offers details on the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) set by the government. MSP serves as a safety net for farmers against any sharp fall in farm prices. With this information readily available, farmers can make informed decisions about their crop production and sale.
Another essential feature of the app is the Jute Gradation Parameters, which provide the grading standards for raw jute based on factors such as quality, color, texture, and fiber strength. This allows farmers to understand the criteria for jute grading, helping them improve their crop quality.
‘Jute-ICARE’ Schemes and Procurement Policies
The app includes information on ‘Jute-ICARE’ schemes, which are government initiatives designed to improve the income of jute farmers by increasing productivity and enhancing quality.
It also provides detailed procurement policies, outlining the procedures for jute buying, selling, and payment. This aids in transparency and ensures that farmers are fully aware of all the guidelines they need to follow.
Additional Features and Benefits
Paat-Mitro includes weather forecasts, which are crucial for jute farming as it is essentially a rain-fed crop. Accurate weather updates can aid farmers in planning their sowing, weeding, and harvesting activities.
The app also provides the locations of JCI’s Purchase Centers, making it easier for farmers to sell their crops directly to the organization.
Another innovative feature the application offers is a Chatbot for handling queries. This allows for immediate response to the farmer’s questions about jute cultivation and market conditions.
Payment Tracking
One of the revolutionary features of Paat-Mitro is its provision for jute payment tracking. Farmers can keep track of their payment status for their jute sales, ensuring transparency and preventing any payment related issues.
India’s Position in Global Jute Production
India holds the position as the largest producer of jute, followed by Bangladesh and China. However, when it comes to acreage and trade, Bangladesh leads, accounting for three-fourths of the global jute exports, in comparison to India’s 7%. The launch of applications like Paat-Mitro can potentially strengthen India’s position in the jute market by supporting its farmers.