The digital fertilizer reform faces its first test in the Kharif season

APAIMS 2.0 integrates crop cultivation data, fertilizer requirements, dealer networks and Rythu Seva Kendras into a single digital platform for fertilizer distribution | Photo credit: Representative image

Andhra Pradesh has launched one of its most significant agricultural input reforms in recent years with the introduction of the APAIMS 2.0 mobile application for the distribution of urea and ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers. Introduced at the start of the kharif season, the initiative seeks to digitize fertilizer sales, improve distribution transparency and ensure that subsidized nutrients reach the actual growers.

Since June 8, sale of fertilizers in most districts in the state is exclusively through the APAIMS platform. Agriculture Department officials say the system integrates data on crop cultivation, fertilizer requirements, dealer networks and Rythu Seva Kendras into a single digital framework. The move aims to prevent misuse of subsidized fertilizers, plug leakages in the supply chain and promote scientific management of nutrients at the farm level.

Director of Agriculture Manazir Jeelani Samoon described the initiative as a major step towards data-driven agriculture management. According to the ministry, farmers registered with the e-Panta crop reservation system can purchase fertilizers from dealers of their choice, with each transaction digitally recorded to improve accountability, stock tracking and policy planning.

The launch comes at a crucial time as demand for fertilizers picks up ahead of large-scale monsoon sowing. Official data from the latest sales cycle shows that 10,656 bags of urea and DAP were distributed to 1,532 registered farmers in 26 districts of the state, indicating an active start to the kharif season.

Nandyal emerged as the leading district in fertilizer consumption accounting for 4,835 bags distributed to 384 farmers. Demand was almost evenly split between 2,549 bags of urea and 2,286 bags of DAP, reflecting balanced nutrient use. Agricultural experts attribute the high consumption to the extensive cultivation of paddy, maize, cotton and horticultural crops. Other districts of Rayalaseema, including Kurnool, Anantapur and Tirupati, also reported significant fertilizer movement, underscoring the growing agricultural activity in the region.

However, the introduction of the platform drew criticism from the Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association, which demanded its withdrawal. Association state secretary P. Jamalayya argued that linking fertilizer allocations with web-based land records and Aadhaar details of landowners could leave thousands of tenant farmers without access to basic agricultural inputs. He argued that many growers lack formal lease documents and often face difficulties in getting landowners’ consent for Aadhaar-linked verification.

In order to assess the implementation on site, Dr. Samoon surprise checks on fertilizer shops in Namburu and Venigandla villages in Guntur district. During the visits, officials explained the new system to farmers. Several growers urged the department to maintain adequate stock of fertilizer in remote villages that could face traffic disruptions during the monsoon.

As Andhra Pradesh enters a critical phase of the farming season, the success of APAIMS 2.0 will depend not only on its ability to improve transparency and efficiency, but also on whether it can ensure equitable access to fertilizers for all categories of growers. The coming months are likely to provide the first real test of the state’s ambitious digital farming initiative.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 20:50 IST