NEW DELHI: PM Modi on Monday asked ministers to harness technology and explore innovative solutions like using ‘truck aggregators’ on the lines of app-based cab services to connect farmers with mandis. Truck aggregators could help farmers transport their produce from farms or registered warehouses to agrimarkets at cheaper costs and in a hassle-free manner. Modi’s suggestions came during his interaction with Union ministers via video conference.Though India has a few truck aggregators, they are not popular among farmers who still have to depend on local operators.The Centre had last week tried to minimise hassles by launching new features at its national agriculture market portal (e-NAM). The e-NAM provides a database of transporters to the traders. Under newly launched features, traders would now be able to use the link to navigate to the logistics providers’ website and select appropriate services to deliver produce. More than 3,75,000 trucks would be added for the purpose.The PM said the government would provide all possible help to farmers in the ongoing harvest season which coincides with the lockdown period. He also underlined the need to devise a strategy to ensure procurement of tribal products so that the source of income of the indigenous tribal populace remains intact.