Availability and Timeliness of Machinery (The Last Mile Problem)

Problem Statement

Farmers often lack access to the right machinery at the exact critical window (e.g., planting or harvesting), leading to delays and lower quality output. The process of discovering, booking, and receiving reliable machinery is often manual and non-transparent.

Innovation Opportunities

• Shared Equipment Platforms with Smart Scheduling: Mobile platforms that display the real-time availability and location of privately-owned and government-subsidised machinery, allowing farmers to book slots with transparent pricing.
• Geo-fencing and Discovery Tools: Use of GPS/geo-fencing to match a farmer's field location and required operation (e.g., harvesting 5 acres of groundnut) with the nearest suitable and available equipment.

Use Case Example

A farmer needs a specific type of rotavator urgently. They open a discovery app, see three available rotavators within 5 km, compare their rental rates and user ratings, and book the service for the next morning.