The agricultural Ministry and the centre decided to launch a farm equipment rental app to aid farmers in accessing cutting- edge technology at affordable prices. Farmers can book and hire agricultural equipment and use them on rent basis. Through this initiative, small farmers will be able to make use of tools equipped with technology that are expensive to own.
i.The app is expected to be launched by the end of August 2019.
Key points
i. The name ‘Uber for tractors’ was kept by the govt. keeping in mind the popular app ‘Uber’. Just like uber connects to cabs, this ‘uber for tractors’ will reach the grassroot level people and farmers.
ii. Trial run for the app was conducted in four states. They are Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab.
iii. There are a total of 38,000 Custom Hiring Centres (CHC) across the country that can rent out 2.5Lakh equipment each year. So far 26,800 CHCs have been registered to offer more than 1 lakh equipment.
iv. Farmers can avail this facility just by registering their names, addresses and mobile numbers in the app.
Rating system
i. A rating system is provided in the app that can register feedback from both the CHC and the farmers to make informed decisions.
ii. This system also helps to track new technology that the government wants to promote like the happy seeder which aims to prevent stubble burning that causes air pollution.
About ministry of agriculture
♦ Union minister responsible- Narendra Singh Tomar(constituency- Morena, madhya pradesh).
♦ Minister of state- Parshotam Rupala (constituency- Gujarat).
♦ Headquarters- New Delhi.