In a significant effort to empower jute farmers with crucial information on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and agronomy, the Ministry of Textiles introduced the 'Paat-Mitro' mobile application during the 'Jute Symposium' on December 21. Developed by The Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI), the application was inaugurated by Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, and is accessible in six languages.
The user-friendly application is available for free download on the Google Play Store and offers a range of functionalities without any cost to users. Alongside providing the latest agronomic practices and MSP details, the app includes essential information such as Jute Gradation Parameters, farmer-centric schemes like 'Jute-ICARE,' weather forecasts, locations of JCI's Purchase Centers, and Procurement Policies.
A notable feature of the application is its provision for farmers to track the status of payments for the raw jute sold to JCI under the MSP Operation. To enhance user interaction and support, a Chatbot has been incorporated into the mobile application, enabling farmers to seek assistance and address their queries effectively.
The launch of Paat-Mitro occurred at the 'Jute Symposium,' which aimed to raise awareness and promote Jute-based technical textiles, with a special focus on Jute Geotextiles. The event saw the participation of representatives from various ministries and research institutes.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Textiles aims to bridge the information gap for jute farmers, providing them with a comprehensive tool that not only disseminates crucial data but also facilitates a direct line of communication for addressing their concerns.
The smartphone app enables jute farmers to access essential data on agronomy, Minimum Support Prices, and other farmer-focused programs, contributing to improved farming methods and advancements in the jute sector, all at no cost.