AP govt makes APAIMS app mandatory for urea, DAP sales

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh govt will implement a new digital fertiliser distribution system from Monday, making the APAIMS app mandatory for the sale of urea and DAP across 24 districts in the state. The move is aimed at ensuring that fertilisers reach genuine farmers while preventing diversion and misuse.Announcing the decision, state director of agriculture Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon said Krishna and Kakinada districts have been excluded from the rollout as they are participating in the central govt’s fertiliser app pilot project.Under the new system, eligible farmers will receive their fertiliser allocations through the APAIMS platform, which will allow them to select their preferred retail dealer. All fertiliser retailers will be mapped to Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) to facilitate smooth distribution and timely delivery.Agriculture department officials said the initiative has been designed to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive subsidised urea and DAP. The govt believes the system will significantly reduce the misuse of urea for non-agricultural purposes, improving availability for farmers who require it for cultivation.During a video conference held on June 6, district-and-field-level agriculture officers were instructed to launch awareness campaigns among farmers, farmer organisations, progressive farmers, farm channels and fertiliser dealers. Officials were directed to explain the functioning and benefits of the new system and address any concerns raised by stakeholders.The department also announced strict monitoring of fertiliser sales and distribution. Authorities warned that dealers or officials found violating guidelines or facilitating misuse would face legal and criminal action.The govt said the initiative assumes greater importance amid rising global fertiliser and fuel prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict and reiterated its commitment to ensuring responsible fertiliser use and protecting the interests of farmers.