Critical Input Shortages (Fertilizers and Bio-Inputs)

Problem Statement

Unreliable and non-transparent access to quality inputs (fertilizers, chemicals, bio-inputs) due to stockouts, black markets, and high costs results in farmers using suboptimal or spurious products, leading to compromised yields and soil health.

Innovation Opportunities

• IoT-enabled Input Inventory and Supply Chain Systems: Digital platforms that provide real-time visibility into the stock levels of certified inputs at the retailer and distributor level, preventing stockouts.
• Digital Input Marketplaces and Databases with Quality Assurance: E-commerce platforms that link farmers directly to certified manufacturers and distributors, coupled with a robust quality rating and traceability system for every input batch.

Use Case Example

A farmer needs a specific type of organic manure. The platform shows the stock and price at the three nearest certified dealers, allows pre-booking, and guarantees the quality via a digitally verifiable certificate.