VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Input Management System (APAIMS) online fertiliser distribution mode, launched by the State government to streamline fertiliser distribution, and curb diversion and misuse of urea, has received an overwhelming response from farmers with 46,830 cultivators purchasing 2,58,144 bags of fertilisers between June 8 and June 13.
Nandyal has emerged as the top district in the State with the sale of 64,142 fertiliser bags, followed by Nellore with 45,436 bags and Kurnool with 39,555 bags. Krishna and Kakinada are outside the present rollout of the system as the two districts come under the purview of the Centre’s pilot fertiliser application programme.
The new system has been introduced to ensure that fertilisers recommended for a particular crop are not diverted to others. The initiative is also intended to prevent the misuse of urea for non-agricultural purposes while guaranteeing availability of adequate quantity to farmers.
Andhra Pradesh has become the first State in the country to roll out an app-based fertiliser sales policy across 26 districts, enabling farmers to purchase fertilisers from the dealer or outlet of their choice in a transparent and convenient manner.
Addressing concerns raised by some farmers, the Agriculture Department has clarified that Webland and e-Crop databases have already been integrated with the application, and that any missing cultivation details can be updated immediately through the concerned Rythu Seva Kendra or mandal agriculture office.
Farmers without e-Crop registration will also continue to get fertilisers with crop details being recorded on the spot.
No hurdles for tenant ryots to avail fertilisers
Similarly, tenant farmers will not require OTP authentication or permission from landowners. Following local verification, their details will be incorporated into the system, enabling them to purchase fertilisers like any other cultivator. Fertiliser allocations for crops are being made based on the recommendations of Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University. In the event of additional requirements arising due to weather conditions or crop needs, suitable modifications will be made to ensure adequate supply of farm inputs.
According to official figures, the six-day cumulative sale of 2,58,144 bags of fertilisers included 1,88,229 bags of urea and 69,915 bags of DAP. Officials said the system has enabled real-time monitoring of fertiliser distribution, and ensured that stocks reach genuine cultivators based on crop requirements.
Agriculture officials held separate video conferences with representatives of wholesale and retail fertiliser traders associations.
“The APAIMS platform has been introduced solely to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure that fertilisers reach genuine cultivators without delay. There is absolutely no need for anxiety or confusion. Every eligible farmer will receive fertilisers at the fixed price and at the right time, and the government has made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and transparent distribution of farm inputs,” said Manazir Jeelani Samoon, Commissioner of Agriculture.
