The government is going to introduce an app for consumers, farmers, entrepreneurs and agri-traders to trade agricultural products at national level.
The name of this app is 'Sadai'. Through this app, appropriate marketing system will be introduced with a healthy competition with the participation of numerous agri-entrepreneurs in five categories.
Preparations are underway to officially launch 'Sadai' in the second week of June. During the launch, special importance will be given to the marketing of mangoes for the current season, according to the marketing department.
Mohammad Yusuf, Director General (DG) of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, told media, "Although there is no shortage of agricultural products, there are some problems in marketing. Using the benefits of information technology, we want to bring a different dimension to marketing of agricultural products. So, we are launching apps called 'Sadai'. The app has been developed through a private organisation. One of these apps is for general use and the other is for entrepreneurs. Both apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store by agri-entrepreneurs and consumers."
There will always be one app for consumers and another for entrepreneurs. All agricultural products can be found on one platform. Initially, marketing activities will be launched through these apps only in the district headquarters. Gradually its scope of work will be expanded to the upazila level. The prices of agricultural products will be fixed by the Department of Agricultural Marketing, so entrepreneurs will not be able to take arbitrary prices.
The Department of Agricultural Marketing will oversee the business activities of all online entrepreneurs. If the quality of the product is poor or the product is adulterated, the department can cancel the registration of the entrepreneur and take legal action under the 'Agricultural Marketing Act-2018' and 'Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009'.
According to DAM, they will officially launch the app by taking consent of the Minister of Agriculture Md. Abdur Razzaque within the second week of June.
However, DAM director general further said that an entrepreneur can run an online business just by registering in the 'Sadai' app for free. Doing business online on government platforms will increase the confidence of consumers and entrepreneurs in each other.
Marketing Department officials highlighted various aspects of the app, saying consumers and entrepreneurs would register the app district-wise. Regardless of the district from which the consumer registers, he can enter other districts through the app and market online if they want. Initially, marketing activities will be launched only in the district headquarters through this app. Gradually its purview will be expanded to the upazila level.
Through the app, special agricultural and processed agricultural products and area-based famous agricultural products will be marketed from one district to another through courier. Such as- honey, ghee, mustard oil, sunflower oil, dried fruit of Cox's Bazar, Chuijhal of Khulna, Kotkoti of Mahasthangarh of Bogra, handmade muri, chira, mango of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, litchi, pickle of Dinajpur etc.
