Staff Correspondent: The government has launched an app for consumers, farmers, entrepreneurs and agri-traders in selling agro products at local and national level. The name of this app is Sodai.

Wednesday (August 4) Agriculture Minister. Abdur Razzak inaugurated the app.

Sodai has two apps. One for consumer and the other is for entrepreneurs. Both the apps can be downloaded by from Google Play Store.

Through these apps, numerous agri-entrepreneurs in five categories will be able to sell their products. At the same time, the role of intermediaries in marketing channels is expected to decrease, officials of the Department of Agricultural Marketing said.

Initially, marketing activities are being launched through this app only in the district headquarters. Gradually its scope of work will be expanded to the upazila level.

It is learned that 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 company 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 take legal action by canceling the registration of the entrepreneur in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Act-2018 and the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.

Mohammad Yusuf, Director General (DG) of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said, "Although we have no shortage of agricultural products, there are some problems in marketing." It has become more evident during the Corona period. Using the benefits of information technology, we want to bring a different dimension to marketing.

He said the app has also been launched. We have to start with entrepreneurs in the district. He has been instructed to start FMG (Farmers Marketing Group) in groups.

In addition to monitoring the business activities of online entrepreneurs, the Department of Agricultural Marketing will provide necessary assistance and advice. Training will be imparted on product grading, sorting, packaging, processing and marketing. The department will provide reasonable pricing of products in online stores and ensure quality of products and in some cases transport facilities.

Sunnews / JI