Sri Vijaya Puram, July 2: The Department of Agriculture has introduced the Framework for Fertilizer Sale (FFS), a digital platform aimed at improving the transparency and efficiency of subsidised fertilizer distribution across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through an integrated online system.
The new initiative is designed to simplify fertilizer procurement for farmers by allowing advance applications, digital stock reservation and QR code or token-based allotments while maintaining electronic records of transactions. The system has been integrated with the Point of Sale (PoS) system and the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) to strengthen transparency and improve service delivery.
As part of the rollout, the Department of Agriculture is conducting Awareness-cum-Training Programmes across the Islands to familiarise stakeholders with the new digital platform. The programmes are intended for progressive farmers, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Farmers’ Interest Groups (FIGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Friends and other interested members of the farming community.
Under the Framework for Fertilizer Sale, farmers can submit applications through multiple channels, including the FFS Mobile Application available on the Google Play Store, the designated web portal and assisted service centres established at Departmental Sub-depots, Common Service Centres (CSCs), PACS and cooperative societies, authorised fertilizer retailers and extension workers.
The Department has made Aadhaar-based biometric e-KYC or OTP authentication mandatory for all applicants to ensure secure and authenticated access to subsidised fertilizer distribution.
According to the Department, the digital platform will assess fertilizer requirements based on the crop selected by the farmer and the cultivated area entered during the application process. The system will recommend the required quantity of fertilizer, while farmers will have the option to apply either for the recommended quantity or a lower quantity, subject to the prescribed distribution norms.
During the initial phase of implementation, the Framework for Fertilizer Sale will facilitate the distribution of Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Murate of Potash (MOP). The Department expects the platform to improve inventory management, strengthen transparency in allocation and ensure timely availability of subsidised fertilizers for the farming community.
The initiative represents a shift towards technology-driven agricultural service delivery, with the objective of making fertilizer distribution more accountable and accessible through digital governance.
Farmers seeking additional information or technical assistance have been advised to approach their nearest Agriculture Sub-Depot or Zonal Agriculture Office. They may also contact the Kisan Call Centre at 03192-243434 for guidance regarding the new system and the application process.
