A Digital Platform Enabling Real-Time Price Discovery and Direct Market Access for Farmers

Abstract

Agriculture remains a critical pillar of developing economies; however, farmers continue to face systemic challenges in accessing fair and transparent markets for their produce. A major issue within the agricultural supply chain is the exploitation caused by intermediaries, primarily due to limited access to real-time pricing information, lack of awareness of Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and insufficient logistics support. As a result, farmers often sell their produce at unfavorable prices, leading to reduced income and economic instability. This study proposes a prototype Digital Farmers Market Platform designed to bridge the gap between farmers and markets by enabling direct access to buyers and transparent price information. The system provides real-time mandi rates, MSP details, and integrated transportation support from farm to market, allowing farmers to make informed selling decisions while minimizing logistical barriers. The platform is built as a centralized, smartphone-accessible solution to ensure usability, scalability, and wider reach. By combining price transparency, streamlined logistics, and direct market connectivity, the proposed system enhances income realization, reduces dependency on middlemen, and promotes a more equitable and sustainable agricultural marketing ecosystem. The study demonstrates how digital intervention can significantly improve efficiency, fairness, and farmer empowerment across the agricultural supply chain.