Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the SowSaathi platform (website, mobile application, or any connected interface), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Igniste Private Limited. If you do not agree, you must not use the platform.

SowSaathi may modify these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through email, in‑app notifications, or platform banners, with at least 15 days’ prior notice. Continued use of the platform after the notice period constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Refund/Return Policy, form the entire agreement between you and SowSaathi regarding the platform.

2. Platform Usage Rights and Restrictions

2.1 License

SowSaathi grants you a limited, non‑exclusive, non‑transferable, revocable license to access and use the platform solely for legitimate agricultural commerce (buying, selling, or negotiating agricultural produce).

2.2 Permitted Use

You may:

List agricultural produce for sale (farmers/sellers).

Browse and view produce listings (buyers).

Use chat for negotiation and clarification.

Place and manage orders through the instant buy‑sell interface.

Access your account history and transaction records.

2.3 Prohibited Use

You must not:

Use the platform for illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activities.

Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data.

Use automated tools (bots, scrapers, crawlers) without written permission.

Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any platform components.

Create multiple accounts to bypass restrictions or bans.

Engage in money laundering or other financial crimes.

Download, store, or misuse other users’ data without consent.

SowSaathi may suspend or terminate access immediately if prohibited use is detected.

3. User Accounts and Registration

To use key features, you must create an account and:

Be at least 18 years old and legally competent.

Provide accurate and complete information.

Keep your login credentials confidential.

Take responsibility for all activity under your account.

SowSaathi may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or pose a security risk. Suspended users may request review via official support channels.

4. Chat Functionality and Negotiation Terms

The chat feature is provided to negotiate terms, clarify product details, and coordinate logistics. All communication related to transactions must occur within the platform.

Users must not:

Share personal contact details (phone numbers, emails, social handles) in chat.

Propose or shift negotiations and payments off the platform.

Use abusive, threatening, or inappropriate language.

Chat messages may be monitored and retained for security, fraud prevention, and dispute resolution. Negotiations in chat are not binding; a transaction becomes binding only when an order is placed and payment is confirmed through the platform.

5. Conduct on Platform

All users must behave professionally and respectfully. Prohibited conduct includes:

Harassment, threats, or abusive language.

Discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, region, or other protected characteristics.

Misrepresentation of product quality, quantity, or credentials.

Manipulating prices or market conditions.

Posting fake or misleading reviews.

SowSaathi may restrict or remove any user, listing, or content that violates this Code of Conduct.

6. Seller Obligations and Listing Terms

6.1 Listing Accuracy

Sellers must ensure that all listings accurately describe the product, including:

Product name, variety, and classification.

Quantity and unit (e.g., kg, quintal).

Quality grade and certifications (if any).

Images that reasonably represent the actual produce.

Harvest date and storage conditions.

Price per unit and any key conditions.

Misleading or incorrect listings may result in removal, account suspension, penalties, or legal action.

6.2 Prohibited Items

Sellers must not list:

Illegal, banned, or restricted agricultural products.

Produce that violates food safety or agricultural regulations.

Narcotics, banned pesticides, or hazardous materials.

Items or descriptions that are obscene, offensive, or infringing intellectual property.

6.3 Order Fulfillment

Sellers are responsible for:

Accepting or rejecting orders within the specified time (for example, 24 hours).

Dispatching accepted orders within the agreed time frame.

Ensuring the delivered produce matches the listing and order.

Using appropriate packaging to safeguard produce quality.

Repeated non‑fulfillment or quality issues may lead to reduced visibility, suspension, or other actions by SowSaathi.

6.4 Intellectual Property

Sellers warrant that they have the right to use any brand names, logos, certifications, or trademarks shown in their listings. Sellers must not upload or use content that infringes third‑party intellectual property.

6.5 Fees and Commissions

SowSaathi may charge transaction fees and optional sponsored‑listing fees. All applicable fees will be clearly shown:

During listing creation.

At order confirmation.

In the seller dashboard and statements.

Platform fees are deducted from settlement amounts payable to sellers.

7. Buyer Rights and Purchase Terms

7.1 Pricing and Payment

All prices are displayed in Indian Rupees (INR). Taxes and platform charges, where applicable, will be clearly shown before order confirmation. Shipping or logistics costs may be displayed separately.

Accepted payment methods may include UPI, net banking, cards, wallets, and other methods supported by integrated payment providers. Payments are processed through third‑party payment gateways. Orders are processed only after successful payment confirmation.

7.2 Explicit Consent

Buyers must confirm each order by taking clear affirmative action, such as clicking “Place Order” or “Confirm Order” and completing any payment authentication. Pre‑ticked consent boxes are not used for order confirmation.

7.3 Buyer Conduct

Buyers must not harass sellers, post false or defamatory reviews, attempt chargeback abuse, or solicit off‑platform transactions. Misuse of the platform may result in restrictions or termination of the buyer’s account.

8. Platform Role and Liability Limitations

SowSaathi is a technology platform and marketplace venue. It facilitates the connection and transaction between independent sellers and buyers but is not a party to individual sale contracts.

The contract of sale is directly between the seller and buyer.

SowSaathi does not take ownership or title to the goods.

SowSaathi does not guarantee product quality, quantity, or fitness for a particular purpose.

SowSaathi is not responsible for delays, non‑delivery, or damage caused by sellers, buyers, or logistics providers.

SowSaathi may provide dispute support and mediation tools but is not obliged to resolve every dispute or compensate either party, except where required by law.

The total liability of Igniste Private Limited for any claim arising from the use of the platform is limited to the lower of: (a) the total fees paid by the user to the platform in the preceding 12 months, or (b) INR 5,000, except where prohibited by law.

9. Data Protection and Privacy

SowSaathi collects, stores, and processes personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy. By using the platform, you consent to the collection and use of your data as described there.

10. Termination

SowSaathi may suspend or terminate your account and access to the platform at any time for violation of these Terms, suspected fraud, legal or regulatory requirements, or security reasons. You may stop using the platform at any time and request account closure through available channels.

Certain obligations (such as dispute, liability, and data provisions) may survive termination.

11. Dispute Resolution

Users are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably through chat and platform tools. If unresolved, users may escalate matters to SowSaathi support. Further escalation, including arbitration or legal proceedings, shall follow applicable law and the jurisdiction clause.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Subject to any mandatory arbitration or dispute procedures, courts having jurisdiction over the registered office of Igniste Private Limited shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising under these Terms.

Core Clauses for Product Listing (Sellers) :- Platforms typically require sellers to adhere to specific standards to maintain marketplace integrity: Listing Accuracy: Sellers must ensure product descriptions, images, and features correspond directly to the actual item. Prohibited Items: Listings must not include illegal, obscene, or copyright-infringing content. Order Fulfillment: Sellers are often required to promptly accept or decline orders and ship the correct items as described. Intellectual Property: Sellers must warrant that they have the right to use any brand names or trademarks included in their listings. Fees and Commissions: The platform must explicitly disclose any fees collected from sellers for using the service. (Sponsored Product) Core Clauses for Buying (Buyers) To protect the platform and ensure a smooth transaction, buyer terms generally include: Pricing and Payment: Details on accepted payment methods, currency, and whether prices include taxes or shipping. Return and Refund Policy: Platforms must clearly state the timeframe for returns, conditions for refunds (e.g., faulty vs. change of mind), and who bears the return shipping costs. Explicit Consent: For transactions, platforms often require explicit, affirmative action (like clicking an "I Agree" button) rather than automatic consent through pre-ticked boxes. User Conduct: Prohibitions against harassing other users, posting defamatory reviews, or attempting to hack the platform. Platform Protections and Legal Provisions :- Venue Disclaimer: Many platforms state they are only a "venue" facilitating third-party transactions and are not a party to the actual sale. ( This is only for personal safety) Refund and Return Policy Template 1. General Principles Customer Satisfaction: We aim for a high standard of service and provide this policy to handle disputes or returns fairly. Third-Party Sales: For items sold by third-party sellers, the seller’s specific return policy may apply, provided it meets the platform's minimum standards. Eligibility for Returns To be eligible for a return, the following conditions must usually be met: Timeframe: The request must be initiated within [X] days of the delivery date. Item Condition: Items must be in their original packaging, unused, and in the same condition as received. Non-Returnable Items: Certain goods (e.g., perishables MOST IMPORTANT Platform disclaimer in a pop up message The platform acts as a venue for transactions. ( Just to limit our liability)