IFFCO has partnered with iMandi to launch a digital ecommerce platform dedicated to the farmers in the country. iMandi is a technological firm based in Singapore. The partnership between the two has drawn a total investment, of around 80 crore. An app with the name ‘IFFCO iMandi’ has been specially crafted to cater to the needs of almost 5.5 crore farmers. Also, a web portal has also been made for the same.
The requirements of the farming community are taken into consideration to be addressed by the IFFCO iMandi. It aims to address the problems of millions of farmers and for the resolution of their needs.
An investment of $12 million has already been made for initiating both, the portal and the app. On the other hand, another investment of $18 million has been made to increase the features inclusive of the facilities provided to the farmers in order to aid them in selling their produce. The founder of iMandi, V K Agarwal said that they want to reach a target of $5 billion in GMV i.e. Gross Merchandise Value, in the coming two years.
IFFCO MD U S Awasthi has stated that the IFFCO iMandi app is a one stop destination/shop for agri produce and inputs, electronics, FMCG, insurance, loans, etc. IFFCO MD U S Awasthi further added that this step has come after leading a campaign that aimed at sensitizing farmers about the usage digital and online transactions.
This marketplace for agri inputs provides the farmers with the facilities wherein they can buy IFFCO products, which include agro chemicals, seeds, and fertilisers at a price that is discounted. It also offers access to free delivery right to their doorstep.
The main features of the app are communication (calling and chat), advisory information, and entertainment, for engaging the farmers. It is being said that in the future, the farmers will also get a facility to sell their respective produce online at ideal prices. The portal and app by IFFCO and iMandi are slated to benefit the farmers in a huge way and will go the extra mile in providing them with much-needed relief.