When it comes to embracing digital technology to deliver better services, Kerala always stands first. In a major step towards easing the burden of farmers struggling with farm machinery repair and maintenance, Kerala is set to launch a first-of-its-kind centralised digital platform to streamline services of Farm Machinery Clinics across the state.
Farm Machinery Clinics, established to provide year-round repair and servicing support for agricultural equipment, have been widely welcomed by farmers. However, with rising demand and increasing dependence on mechanization, the need for a more efficient and transparent service system has been strongly felt. The new software-driven platform is expected to bridge this gap by digitising the entire process, from booking repairs to tracking service progress.
According to a senior official in the agriculture department, the centralized platform will feature an online advance repair booking system, ensuring farmers no longer have to wait endlessly for service. Once a machine is booked for repair, a job card with diagnostic details will be generated, creating a clear record of the issue. Farmers will also have access to invoice and bill tracking, enabling transparency in service costs.
“One of the standout features will be a live repair status dashboard, accessible to both officials and the public, allowing farmers to monitor progress in real time. The system will also include workflow tracking, ensuring accountability at every stage of the service,” the official said.
To improve operational efficiency, the platform will integrate with existing departmental systems such as AIMS and SMAM, which manage farmer registrations and subsidy schemes. Additionally, a spare parts inventory module will help track stock, issues, and procurement requirements, addressing one of the biggest challenges in timely machinery repairs.
The development and deployment of the platform will be carried out in coordination with the Research Testing and Training (RTT) Centre, Vellayani, which has been at the forefront of agricultural mechanization in the state.
Officials said the initiative is expected to greatly reduce downtime for farm machines, improve transparency, and provide long-term support to Kerala’s farmers who increasingly rely on mechanization for productivity and efficiency.
The agriculture department is coordinating with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to select a startup for developing the centralised software system for the Farm Machinery Clinics.
