Punjab Farmers Now Can Hire Farm Implements Using Mobiles

Punjab farmers will now be able to hire tractors and farm implements using their mobiles just like Uber and Ola taxi services.

The purpose of this project is to allow companies and individuals rent out their tractors and equipment to a registered user who can expect the services at rates cheaper than those offered by traditional companies.

Vikram Ahuja is the founder of Zamindara, whose company already caters to 3,000 farmers through a call centre. A mobile app is the next stop. The Zamindara's business model was a case study at business schools like IIM-Ahmedabad and XLRI, Jamshedpur. Vikram Ahuja said, "We are trying to evolve a model wherein we provide technology, business and implements to farmers."

The company feels its online rental model will help farmers escape debt, a prime reason behind farmers' suicides in the country. Proper training in usage of machines ensures that work is done properly. Tractors apart, equipment like harrow, spike, chisel plow, cultivator, rotator, roller and strip till are also on the offer.

The pilot project has received an initial funding of Rs 25 lakh by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development or Nabard.

The agri bank has recetly launched "Chalak Baney Malik" scheme, under which farmers will be given loan at low rates for buying equipment and the EMI will be deducted from the business generated.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/