India: Agro Input Dealers Association requests companies to stop sale through online platforms

The online market for Agri input products is growing across India. Farmers can now buy products like seeds, fertilizers, agro chemicals and even implements online through various websites. Covid-19 lockdown pushed the online agri-input market place aggressively with easy mode of payments like cash on delivery. With this, the  agro input market which was a push market now has a sizeable demand driven market with the emerging online market place. The product are delivered at the doorstep of farmers across rural India with convenience.

The Agro Input Dealers Association has expressed their discomfort to companies selling their products through online platforms. 

In a letter sent out to all the agri input companies in India, the association shared how the dealer network has helped the companies setup and grow their business across India. Recalling the achievements of the agro input sector in India, the sector has made India self sufficient in agriculture production. The sector has helped india turn from agriculture importing to exporting country. 

Mr. Manmohan Kalanti, President of Agro Input Dealers Association told Krishak Jagat, ″The direct contact of dealers have helped Indian farmers to develop trust, get timely advice and help companies reach more than 10 crore farmers across India. The dealers have been able to push all kind of products, new technologies and develop segments suitable for the farmers’ need and helping each company develop its customer base across India.″

With the recent license regulation, the dealers are now well trained and equipped with knowledge and are better at advising farmers for suitable product as per their requirement said Mr. Kalanti.

All these benefits cannot be compared to online market where there is no in-person guidance or suggestion. Online market is demand driven market and may not be helpful in delivering new technology and products to farmers. A lot of companies have faced problem of mis-branded products being sold through online platforms. Delivering of pesticides through courier services or delivery agents is dangerous as these delivery person are not trained to handle poisonous chemicals.

The Agro Input Dealers Association has requested all the companies to stop their sale of products through online platforms. Further, the Association has decided to cooperate with companies who will sell their products through offline setup. The association has requested companies to share their stand by 20th August 2022 before announcing any decision from their end.