Marketing biggest challenge for farm produce
With the advancements being made in agriculture, the biggest challenge now is marketing the produce, said Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque yesterday.
There has been a surprising success in the production of all agricultural commodities, with harvests multiplying for paddy, wheat, maize, vegetables, and fruits, he said.
"But the biggest challenge now is the marketing of these agricultural products. Farmers often cannot market the products they produce, they do not get the right price," he said.
In addition to ensuring a fair price for the crops produced by farmers, the consumer must also be assured of being provided safe and adulteration free products at the right price, Razzaque said.
The minister said these on inaugurating a "Sadai" mobile app developed by the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) at Bangladesh Secretariat.
The app is a landmark in the sale practices of agricultural products. "If this app is successfully implemented, it will work to ensure fair prices for farmers, reduce influence of middlemen, and assure quality of agricultural products," he said.
It will also ensure that consumers are not deceived and are able get safe and adulteration-free products, he added.
The app allows farmers and entrepreneurs to register for free and sell products without having to pay any commission.
According to the DAM, the app will develop a direct link between farmers and consumers.
The DAM will monitor the quality and sale of agricultural products being traded on the platform, determine the prices and address complaints through a call centre.
Payments can be made through mobile banking and cash on delivery. There will be price verification opportunities and tracking facilities of ordered products. Transportation facilities are also available.
The app has separate versions for consumers and entrepreneurs.
Consumers need to download the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dam.sodai while entrepreneurs at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dam.ku
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