TN Agri Extension Centers to Enable Cashless Transactions

The State  Government has decided to implement cashless transactions for all Agriculture Extension Centres (AECs). This decision was taken to enhance the farm sector and help farmers to adopt advanced technology.

State Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary C Samayamoorthy told that " The cashless transaction was implemented on a pilot basis last year in 37 AECs. It was done to help farmers obtain farm inputs and now it has been decided to expand 348 AECs."

He further emphasized that " The department plans to facilitate cashless transactions by equipping all Agricultural Extension Centres (AECs) in the State, excluding Chennai, with Point of Sale (PoS) tools. To ensure convenient payment options, farmers will have the ability to use credit cards and debit cards, and access UPI services at these centers. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with Indian Bank, which has generously provided PoS equipment through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund."

Senior Official of the Agriculture Department said for those farmers buying agriculture machinery is not affordable, for them a lower price will be fixed provided on lease.

"To address the challenges faced by farmers during the harvest season, a solution has been devised wherein the information of 4,456 machine owners specializing in rice, maize, pulses, and grains harvesting will be made available on a Rental app. These details will be categorized based on regions and districts. As the demand for such machinery increases, the rental prices tend to rise as well. Unfortunately, in some instances, farmers have no choice but to rely on intermediaries who further escalate the costs. This has a detrimental impact on farmers' incomes. To counter this issue, the Uzhavan App has been introduced, enabling farmers to easily locate private farmers residing nearby, thus eliminating the need for middlemen," he added.

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They also told that it's very important to monitor the growing population demand and to increase agriculture productivity. It is very important to provide access to all farm inputs and labor availability. Due to their shortage, it has become difficult for farmers to complete their work.

An official said that “ Agricultural mechanization is the best way to finish farming work on time. Farming machinery should be in good condition to complete the work on time. They need to be well maintained and regularly monitored for their proper function.”

The E- Rental App which has been designed for farmer's ease will provide a list and details of individuals who can repair agricultural machinery, tools, electric motor pump, solar-powered pumps, and many more. He further added that " It will be linked with Uzhavan App. The inclusion of details of mechanics will help in reducing the idle time of machinery and lead to an increase in food grain production. It will also help in creating employment opportunities for the rural youth and improve their economic status.”

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EV Elankeeran, president of the Federation of Cauvery Delta Farmers Association said that cashless transactions will help to boost the economy, it will help farmers to improve their living, and safeguard agriculture.

He also told that farmers need not worry as this app will facilitate them with particular details and fixed prices for repairment of their machinery. No Bribes can be carried out and further people will get more employment opportunities which will benefit all of them.

-DT Next

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