Digital Boost for Farmers with ‘Mana Mitra’: Minister Atchannaidu

In a significant push toward digital governance, the Andhra Pradesh government has expanded access to agricultural services through its ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp platform , making key facilities available to farmers with just a message.

Speaking to the media, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said the inclusion of services under the Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP) has simplified processes that earlier required multiple office visits. Farmers can now complete everything from equipment booking to subsidy processing through a seamless online system.

Services Just a Message Away

By sending a simple “Hi” to 9552300009 on WhatsApp, farmers can connect to horticulture department services. The platform enables subsidy registration, application tracking, grievance submission, and digital payments.

Irrigation equipment such as drip systems, sprinkler units, and solar pumps can now be booked online, while payments can be made securely without handling cash or visiting departmental offices.

Boost to Transparency and Rural Economy

Describing the initiative as a transformative step, the minister said the move would cut down on travel, reduce expenses, and ensure greater transparency in service delivery. Officials have been instructed to promote the platform extensively at the field level so that more farmers can benefit.

He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for advancing technology-driven governance and said the government is leveraging digital tools to strengthen farmer welfare and the rural economy.

Developed in Partnership with Meta

The ‘Mana Mitra’ platform was developed by the state’s IT and Real-Time Governance Department in collaboration with Meta , spearheaded by IT Minister Nara Lokesh . After signing an agreement in October 2024, the government formally launched the services on January 30, 2025.

With nearly 878 citizen services integrated including certificates, welfare schemes, and agricultural assistance the platform is being described as one of the largest WhatsApp-based governance initiatives in the country, aimed at bringing public services directly to people’s mobile phones.