Farmers in Morjim have appealed to the Goa government to simplify the process of purchasing fertilisers by removing the mandatory use of the FFS mobile application and setting up a fertiliser storage facility in the village.
According to local farmers, the absence of a fertiliser godown in Morjim forces them to travel to Mandrem, Pernem or, when stocks are unavailable, to Aronda and Banda in neighbouring Maharashtra to procure fertilisers.
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The farmers said the app-based system has become a major hurdle, particularly for elderly and illiterate cultivators who do not own smartphones or lack the digital literacy needed to complete the registration process.
Under the existing system, farmers are required to scan a QR code, download the FFS application, complete the registration process and share a one-time password (OTP) with the cooperative society before they can purchase fertilisers. Even after completing these formalities, they often have to wait if stocks are unavailable.
The farmers have requested the government to allow registered Krishi Card holders to purchase fertilisers directly without having to use the mobile application. They argue that the current system has made access to essential agricultural inputs more difficult instead of simplifying the process.
Many farmers also pointed out that Maharashtra does not have a similar app-based requirement, making it easier for them to purchase fertilisers from outlets in Banda and Aronda whenever supplies are unavailable in Goa.
Questioning the government’s policy, the farmers also asked why the app-based system is mandatory for regular fertiliser purchases when such procedures were reportedly not followed during the distribution of free fertilisers by elected representatives.
The farmers have urged the government to address both issues by establishing a fertiliser godown in Morjim and introducing a more farmer-friendly system for fertiliser distribution, especially for those who are not digitally equipped.
