Contract Farming Management and Traceability Reporting System
This system aims to simplify the registration and certification issuance for contract farmers while also supporting the registration of horticultural product exporters.
Contract Farming Project Synopsis
Introduction to the Project
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) initiated a comprehensive automated system to streamline the contract farming process in Bangladesh. This system aims to simplify the registration and certification issuance for contract farmers while also supporting the registration of horticultural product exporters. By integrating these elements, the DAE seeks to promote contract farming as a key component of the agricultural export system.
Challenges Before Contract farming
Manual and Inefficient Process
Before the introduction of the system, the management of contract farming and tracking of farmers’ activities was done manually, leading to inefficiencies and delays in issuing certifications for exporters.
Lack of Reliable Selection System for Exporters
Exporters faced challenges due to the absence of a reliable system to identify certified farmers, which hindered the process of selecting trustworthy suppliers for export consignments.
Difficulty in Monitoring Inputs Provided to Farmers
making it challenging to ensure the quality of the produce and maintain consistency across farming activities.
Absence of Centralized Database and Traceability Mechanism
The lack of a centralized database and traceability system made it difficult to maintain transparency and track the quality and reliability of export consignments, posing risks for both exporters and consumers.
Solution Overview
Goal
The new system developed by DAE provides a web-based platform for the registration of farmers and issuance of certifications. This has streamlined the certification process, making it faster and more efficient.
Traceability Application for Input Monitoring
The system includes a traceability application that allows DAE officials and exporters to track the inputs provided to farmers, ensuring better quality control throughout the farming process.
Mobile App for Real-Time Data Entry
A mobile application was created to facilitate easy data entry for farmers, allowing real-time updates on farming activities, which enhances the accuracy and efficiency of data management.
Centralized Database for Farmer Selection
The platform provides exporters with access to a centralized database of registered farmers. This simplifies the process of selecting certified farmers for export consignments, ensuring better product quality and reliability.
Key Features
Export Management
Horticulture Exporters Registration
Provides verified horticulture exporters with registration certificates for export activities.
Online Repository of Farmers
Offers a centralized database of registered farmers, accessible to exporters for selecting contract farmers for export consignments.
Approval Management System
Streamlines export approval processes for agricultural products through a web-based platform, allowing the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to manage and track approval requests.
Payment Gateway Management
Facilitates secure payment processing for export transactions using various methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, and e-wallets.
Certificate Tracking System
Stores and tracks all certificates issued to exporters, maintaining records of certification numbers, issuance dates, expirations, and renewals.
Compliance & System Integration
Traceability Application
Enables farmers to input data, while exporters and PQW authorities monitor this data to ensure traceability throughout the export process.
Compliance Certificate Management
Tracks and maintains all compliance certificates for exporters, ensuring validity and facilitating timely renewals.
Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
Supports application development with a flexible architecture, including RESTful API and real-time messaging for smooth operations.
System Integration
Integrates with the Plant Quarantine Wing for phytosanitary certification, existing online phytosanitary systems, SMS gateway, and email servers.
Technology Platform
PHP Laravel Framework
Vue JS
MySQL
JavaScript
Core Expertise
Cyber Security
DevOps
Content Management Systems
Enterprise Resource Planning
Impact
Enhanced Efficiency in Contract Farming
The introduction of the system has significantly streamlined the contract farming process, improving the overall efficiency of managing and monitoring farming activities and certifications.
Improved Transparency and Accountability
By allowing both exporters and DAE officials to monitor the inputs and activities of farmers, the system ensures greater transparency and accountability in the agricultural export process.
Simplified Exporter Selection Process
Exporters now have easier access to a database of certified farmers, allowing them to select farmers more quickly and efficiently, resulting in higher quality export products.
Empowered Farmers and Accessible Certification
Farmers are empowered through the system’s mobile app and easier access to the registration and certification process, enabling them to participate more actively in the export sector and contributing to a more structured agricultural economy.
Conclusion
The DAE’s automated contract farming system represents a major step forward in modernizing Bangladesh’s agricultural sector. By digitizing the registration and monitoring processes, it enhances transparency, improves quality control, and promotes the growth of horticultural exports. As the system continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in supporting both farmers and exporters, contributing to the country’s agricultural development.