The university has already conducted successful pilot studies on staples like wheat flour, besan, and rice.

Digital Farming: PAU Scientists Launch QR Code System to Help Farmers Build Direct Brands

Scientists at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have developed a "farm-to-phone" digital traceability system using QR codes to modernise agricultural marketing. The initiative is designed to help farmers build direct trust with consumers and secure better prices by providing transparent information about their produce.

According to the report, the system allows consumers to scan a QR code on food packaging to access detailed records stored in the cloud via Google Drive or OneDrive. 

Developed by the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, the technology provides a digital identity for various products. By scanning the code, buyers can verify the crop's origin, the specific processing methods used, such as stone-ground milling, and the exact date of packaging.

Dr Gurveer Kaur, a scientist involved in the research, said that this method solves the problem of limited space on product labels while ensuring authenticity. The university has already conducted successful pilot studies on staples like wheat flour, besan, and rice. 

The report highlights that as demand for safe, traceable food grows, this low-cost digital tool will empower farmers to establish their own brands. By providing verifiable proof of quality, farmers can move away from traditional marketplaces and sell directly to health-conscious consumers at premium rates.

Source: Times of India