diff --git a/.env Working b/.env Working
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32d1734
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.env Working	
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# ============================================
+# REQUIRED ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
+# ============================================
+# Copy this file to .env and fill in your values
+
+# Database Connection (PostgreSQL)
+DATABASE_URL=postgres://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+
+# JWT Secrets (use strong random strings)
+# Generate with: node -e "console.log(require('crypto').randomBytes(32).toString('hex'))"
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=add74b258202057143382e8ee9ecc24a1114eddd3da5db79f3d29d24d7083043
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=94a09772321fa15dc41c6c1e07d3b97a5b50d770e29f2ade47e8de5c571a611d
+
+# ============================================
+# OPTIONAL ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
+# ============================================
+
+# Server Configuration
+PORT=3000
+NODE_ENV=development
+
+# CORS Configuration (comma-separated list, required in production)
+# Example: https://yourdomain.com,https://www.yourdomain.com
+#CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=
+
+# JWT Token Expiration (default values shown)
+JWT_ACCESS_TTL=15m
+JWT_REFRESH_TTL=7d
+
+# Refresh Token Inactivity Timeout (in minutes, default: 4320 = 3 days)
+REFRESH_MAX_IDLE_MINUTES=4320
+
+# OTP Configuration
+OTP_MAX_ATTEMPTS=5
+
+# ============================================
+# TWILIO SMS CONFIGURATION (Optional)
+# ============================================
+# Required for sending OTP via SMS
+# If not configured, OTP will be logged to console in development
+
+TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID=ACa6723cb1475351e13d9ca60059c23b28
+TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN=67ecdfb2bc70285b45b969940e18e443
+
+# Use either TWILIO_MESSAGING_SERVICE_SID (recommended) OR TWILIO_FROM_NUMBER
+#TWILIO_MESSAGING_SERVICE_SID=your-messaging-service-sid
+# OR
+TWILIO_FROM_NUMBER=+16597322424
+
+# ============================================
+# Twilio SMS Configuration (Optional)
+# ============================================
+# TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID=your-twilio-account-sid
+# TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN=your-twilio-auth-token
+# TWILIO_MESSAGING_SERVICE_SID=your-messaging-service-sid  (recommended)
+# OR
+# TWILIO_FROM_NUMBER=+1234567890
+
+# ============================================
+# ADMIN DASHBOARD CONFIGURATION
+# ============================================
+ENABLE_ADMIN_DASHBOARD=true
diff --git a/MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md b/MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8df960
--- /dev/null
+++ b/MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md
@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+# AWS Database Migration - Implementation Summary
+
+## ✅ Completed Changes
+
+All code changes have been implemented to migrate from local Docker PostgreSQL to AWS PostgreSQL using AWS SSM Parameter Store for secure credential management.
+
+## 📁 Files Modified
+
+### 1. `src/utils/awsSsm.js`
+**Changes:**
+- ✅ Updated to use correct SSM parameter paths:
+  - Read-Write: `/test/livingai/db/app`
+  - Read-Only: `/test/livingai/db/app/readonly`
+- ✅ Added support for `DB_USE_READONLY` environment variable
+- ✅ Improved error handling with detailed error messages
+- ✅ Added `buildDatabaseConfig()` function for SSL support
+- ✅ Updated credential validation and parsing
+
+### 2. `src/db.js`
+**Changes:**
+- ✅ Added SSL configuration for self-signed certificates
+- ✅ Updated to use `buildDatabaseConfig()` instead of connection string
+- ✅ Improved error handling and logging
+- ✅ Auto-detection of AWS database when `DB_HOST=db.livingai.app`
+- ✅ Connection pool configuration (max: 20, idleTimeout: 30s)
+
+### 3. `src/config.js`
+**Changes:**
+- ✅ Updated to require AWS credentials when using SSM
+- ✅ Removed `DATABASE_URL` from required env vars when `USE_AWS_SSM=true`
+- ✅ Added validation for AWS credentials
+
+### 4. Documentation
+**New Files:**
+- ✅ `docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md` - Complete migration guide
+- ✅ `docs/getting-started/ENV_VARIABLES_REFERENCE.md` - Environment variables reference
+- ✅ `MIGRATION_SUMMARY.md` - This file
+
+## 🔒 Security Implementation
+
+### ✅ Credentials Management
+- **NO database credentials in `.env` files**
+- Credentials fetched from AWS SSM Parameter Store at runtime
+- Only AWS credentials (for SSM access) in `.env`
+- Supports both read-write and read-only users
+
+### ✅ SSL Configuration
+- SSL enabled with `rejectUnauthorized: false` for self-signed certificates
+- Connection string includes `?sslmode=require`
+- Proper SSL configuration in connection pool
+
+## 📋 Required Environment Variables
+
+### For AWS Database (Production)
+```env
+# AWS Configuration (for SSM access)
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key
+USE_AWS_SSM=true
+
+# JWT Configuration
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_secret
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_secret
+```
+
+### Optional
+```env
+DB_USE_READONLY=false  # false = read_write_user, true = read_only_user
+DB_HOST=db.livingai.app
+DB_PORT=5432
+DB_NAME=livingai_test_db
+```
+
+## 🔄 Migration Steps
+
+1. **Set up AWS SSM Parameters:**
+   - Create `/test/livingai/db/app` with read-write user credentials (JSON format)
+   - Create `/test/livingai/db/app/readonly` with read-only user credentials (optional)
+
+2. **Update `.env` file:**
+   - Add AWS credentials (AWS_REGION, AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID, AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY)
+   - Set `USE_AWS_SSM=true`
+   - Remove any database credentials (DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DATABASE_URL)
+
+3. **Verify IAM Permissions:**
+   - Ensure IAM user/role has `ssm:GetParameter` permission for both SSM parameter paths
+
+4. **Test Connection:**
+   - Start application: `npm start`
+   - Verify logs show successful SSM credential fetch and database connection
+
+## 🧪 Testing Checklist
+
+- [ ] AWS SSM parameters created with correct paths and JSON format
+- [ ] IAM user has SSM read permissions
+- [ ] `.env` file has AWS credentials (no DB credentials)
+- [ ] `USE_AWS_SSM=true` in `.env`
+- [ ] Application starts without errors
+- [ ] Database connection established successfully
+- [ ] SSL connection working (no SSL errors)
+- [ ] API endpoints respond correctly
+- [ ] Database queries execute successfully
+- [ ] All business logic works as before
+
+## 🔍 Verification Commands
+
+### Check AWS SSM Parameter
+```bash
+aws ssm get-parameter --name "/test/livingai/db/app" --with-decryption --region ap-south-1
+```
+
+### Test Database Connection
+```bash
+npm start
+# Look for these log messages:
+# ✅ Successfully fetched DB credentials from SSM: /test/livingai/db/app (read-write user)
+# ✅ Using database credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store
+# ✅ Database connection established successfully
+```
+
+## ⚠️ Important Notes
+
+1. **No Breaking Changes**: All business logic remains unchanged. Only database connection configuration was updated.
+
+2. **Backward Compatibility**: Local development still works with `DATABASE_URL` when `USE_AWS_SSM=false`.
+
+3. **Security**: Database credentials are never stored in files. They are fetched from AWS SSM at runtime.
+
+4. **SSL**: Self-signed certificates are supported via `rejectUnauthorized: false` configuration.
+
+5. **Connection Pooling**: Configured with sensible defaults (max 20 connections, 30s idle timeout).
+
+## 📚 Documentation
+
+For detailed information, see:
+- `docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md` - Complete migration guide
+- `docs/getting-started/ENV_VARIABLES_REFERENCE.md` - Environment variables reference
+
+## 🐛 Troubleshooting
+
+Common issues and solutions are documented in `docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md` under the "Troubleshooting" section.
+
+## ✨ Next Steps
+
+1. Review the changes in the modified files
+2. Set up AWS SSM parameters with your database credentials
+3. Update your `.env` file with AWS credentials
+4. Test the connection
+5. Deploy to your AWS environment
+
+---
+
+**Migration Status**: ✅ Complete
+**All Requirements Met**: ✅ Yes
+**Security Requirements Met**: ✅ Yes
+**Backward Compatibility**: ✅ Maintained
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md b/docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58a6608
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/AWS_DATABASE_MIGRATION.md
@@ -0,0 +1,310 @@
+# AWS Database Migration Guide
+
+This guide explains how to migrate the authentication service from a local Docker PostgreSQL database to an AWS PostgreSQL database using AWS SSM Parameter Store for secure credential management.
+
+## Overview
+
+**Security Model**: Database credentials are fetched from AWS SSM Parameter Store at runtime. NO database credentials are stored in `.env` files or code.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+1. AWS Account with access to Systems Manager Parameter Store
+2. IAM user/role with permissions to read SSM parameters:
+   - `ssm:GetParameter` for `/test/livingai/db/app`
+   - `ssm:GetParameter` for `/test/livingai/db/app/readonly`
+3. AWS PostgreSQL database instance (RDS or managed PostgreSQL)
+4. Database users created:
+   - `read_write_user` (for authentication service)
+   - `read_only_user` (optional, for read-only operations)
+
+## AWS Configuration
+
+### 1. Set Up AWS SSM Parameters
+
+Store database credentials in AWS SSM Parameter Store as **SecureString** parameters:
+
+#### Read-Write User (Authentication Service)
+**Parameter Path**: `/test/livingai/db/app`
+
+**Parameter Value** (JSON format):
+```json
+{
+  "user": "read_write_user",
+  "password": "your_secure_password_here",
+  "host": "db.livingai.app",
+  "port": "5432",
+  "database": "livingai_test_db"
+}
+```
+
+#### Read-Only User (Optional)
+**Parameter Path**: `/test/livingai/db/app/readonly`
+
+**Parameter Value** (JSON format):
+```json
+{
+  "user": "read_only_user",
+  "password": "your_secure_password_here",
+  "host": "db.livingai.app",
+  "port": "5432",
+  "database": "livingai_test_db"
+}
+```
+
+### 2. Create IAM Policy
+
+Create an IAM policy that allows reading SSM parameters:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Version": "2012-10-17",
+  "Statement": [
+    {
+      "Effect": "Allow",
+      "Action": [
+        "ssm:GetParameter",
+        "ssm:GetParameters"
+      ],
+      "Resource": [
+        "arn:aws:ssm:ap-south-1:*:parameter/test/livingai/db/app",
+        "arn:aws:ssm:ap-south-1:*:parameter/test/livingai/db/app/readonly"
+      ]
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+Attach this policy to your IAM user or role.
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+### Required Variables
+
+Create or update your `.env` file with **ONLY** these AWS credentials:
+
+```env
+# AWS Configuration (for SSM Parameter Store access)
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key_here
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key_here
+
+# Enable AWS SSM for database credentials
+USE_AWS_SSM=true
+
+# JWT Configuration (REQUIRED)
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret_here
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret_here
+```
+
+### Optional Variables
+
+```env
+# Control which database user to use
+# false = read_write_user (default for auth service)
+# true = read_only_user
+DB_USE_READONLY=false
+
+# Database connection settings (auto-detected if not set)
+DB_HOST=db.livingai.app
+DB_PORT=5432
+DB_NAME=livingai_test_db
+```
+
+### ⚠️ DO NOT Include
+
+**NEVER** include these in your `.env` file:
+- `DB_USER`
+- `DB_PASSWORD`
+- `DATABASE_URL` (with credentials)
+- Any database credentials
+
+Database credentials are fetched from AWS SSM at runtime.
+
+## Database Configuration
+
+### AWS PostgreSQL Settings
+
+- **Host**: `db.livingai.app`
+- **Port**: `5432`
+- **Database**: `livingai_test_db`
+- **SSL**: Required (self-signed certificates supported)
+
+### SSL Configuration
+
+The connection automatically handles SSL with self-signed certificates:
+- `rejectUnauthorized: false` is set for self-signed certificate support
+- Connection string includes `?sslmode=require`
+
+## Migration Steps
+
+### Step 1: Update Environment Variables
+
+1. Remove any existing database credentials from `.env`:
+   ```bash
+   # Remove these if present:
+   # DB_HOST=...
+   # DB_USER=...
+   # DB_PASSWORD=...
+   # DATABASE_URL=...
+   ```
+
+2. Add AWS credentials to `.env`:
+   ```env
+   AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+   AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key
+   AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key
+   USE_AWS_SSM=true
+   ```
+
+### Step 2: Verify SSM Parameters
+
+Ensure your SSM parameters are set correctly:
+
+```bash
+# Using AWS CLI (if configured)
+aws ssm get-parameter --name "/test/livingai/db/app" --with-decryption --region ap-south-1
+```
+
+### Step 3: Test Database Connection
+
+Start your application:
+
+```bash
+npm start
+```
+
+You should see:
+```
+✅ Successfully fetched DB credentials from SSM: /test/livingai/db/app (read-write user)
+✅ Using database credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store
+   Host: db.livingai.app, Database: livingai_test_db, User: read_write_user
+✅ Database connection established successfully
+```
+
+### Step 4: Run Database Migrations
+
+If you have schema changes, run migrations:
+
+```bash
+node run-migration.js
+```
+
+## Connection Pool Configuration
+
+The connection pool is configured with:
+- **Max connections**: 20
+- **Idle timeout**: 30 seconds
+- **Connection timeout**: 2 seconds
+
+These can be adjusted in `src/db.js` if needed.
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Error: "Cannot access AWS SSM Parameter Store"
+
+**Causes**:
+- Missing AWS credentials in `.env`
+- IAM user doesn't have SSM permissions
+- Wrong AWS region
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Verify `AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY` are set
+2. Check IAM permissions for SSM access
+3. Verify `AWS_REGION` matches your SSM parameter region
+
+### Error: "Database connection failed: SSL required"
+
+**Cause**: Database requires SSL but connection isn't using it.
+
+**Solution**: SSL is automatically configured. Verify your database security group allows SSL connections.
+
+### Error: "Parameter not found"
+
+**Cause**: SSM parameter path doesn't exist or has wrong name.
+
+**Solution**:
+1. Verify parameter path: `/test/livingai/db/app`
+2. Check parameter is in correct region
+3. Ensure parameter type is "SecureString"
+
+### Error: "Invalid credentials format"
+
+**Cause**: SSM parameter value is not valid JSON.
+
+**Solution**: Ensure parameter value is JSON format:
+```json
+{
+  "user": "username",
+  "password": "password",
+  "host": "host",
+  "port": "5432",
+  "database": "dbname"
+}
+```
+
+## Local Development
+
+For local development without AWS SSM, you can use `DATABASE_URL`:
+
+```env
+# Disable AWS SSM for local development
+USE_AWS_SSM=false
+
+# Use local database
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password@localhost:5432/farmmarket
+```
+
+**Note**: This should only be used for local development. Production must use AWS SSM.
+
+## Security Best Practices
+
+1. **Never commit `.env` files** - Add `.env` to `.gitignore`
+2. **Rotate credentials regularly** - Update SSM parameters periodically
+3. **Use least privilege** - IAM user should only have SSM read permissions
+4. **Monitor SSM access** - Enable CloudTrail to audit SSM parameter access
+5. **Use different credentials per environment** - Separate SSM parameters for test/prod
+
+## Code Changes Summary
+
+### Files Modified
+
+1. **`src/utils/awsSsm.js`**
+   - Updated to use correct SSM parameter paths
+   - Added support for read-only/read-write user selection
+   - Improved error handling and validation
+
+2. **`src/db.js`**
+   - Added SSL configuration for self-signed certificates
+   - Updated to use `buildDatabaseConfig` instead of connection string
+   - Improved error handling and logging
+
+3. **`src/config.js`**
+   - Removed `DATABASE_URL` from required env vars when using SSM
+   - Added AWS credentials validation
+
+### No Changes Required
+
+- All business logic remains unchanged
+- All API endpoints work as before
+- All database queries work as before
+- Only connection configuration changed
+
+## Verification Checklist
+
+- [ ] AWS SSM parameters created with correct paths
+- [ ] IAM user/role has SSM read permissions
+- [ ] `.env` file has AWS credentials (no DB credentials)
+- [ ] `USE_AWS_SSM=true` in `.env`
+- [ ] Application starts without errors
+- [ ] Database connection established successfully
+- [ ] API endpoints respond correctly
+- [ ] Database queries execute successfully
+
+## Support
+
+For issues or questions:
+1. Check application logs for detailed error messages
+2. Verify SSM parameters using AWS Console or CLI
+3. Test AWS credentials with AWS CLI
+4. Review IAM permissions for SSM access
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/DATABASE_MODE_SWITCH.md b/docs/getting-started/DATABASE_MODE_SWITCH.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a23f5a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/DATABASE_MODE_SWITCH.md
@@ -0,0 +1,278 @@
+# Database Mode Switch Guide
+
+This guide explains how to switch between **Local Database** and **AWS Database** modes.
+
+## Quick Switch
+
+Add this to your `.env` file to switch between modes:
+
+```env
+# For Local Database (Docker PostgreSQL)
+DATABASE_MODE=local
+
+# For AWS Database (AWS RDS/PostgreSQL with SSM)
+DATABASE_MODE=aws
+```
+
+## Local Database Mode
+
+### Configuration
+
+```env
+# Set database mode
+DATABASE_MODE=local
+
+# Local PostgreSQL connection string
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+
+# JWT Configuration (required)
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret
+
+# Redis (optional)
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+```
+
+### Requirements
+
+- Docker PostgreSQL running (from `docker-compose.yml`)
+- `DATABASE_URL` set in `.env`
+- No AWS credentials needed
+
+### Start Local Database
+
+```bash
+cd db/farmmarket-db
+docker-compose up -d postgres
+```
+
+### Connection String Format
+
+```
+postgresql://[user]:[password]@[host]:[port]/[database]
+```
+
+Example:
+```
+postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+```
+
+## AWS Database Mode
+
+### Configuration
+
+```env
+# Set database mode
+DATABASE_MODE=aws
+
+# AWS Configuration (for SSM Parameter Store)
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key
+
+# Optional: Control which database user
+DB_USE_READONLY=false  # false = read_write_user, true = read_only_user
+
+# Optional: Database connection settings (auto-detected)
+# DB_HOST=db.livingai.app
+# DB_PORT=5432
+# DB_NAME=livingai_test_db
+
+# JWT Configuration (required)
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret
+
+# Redis (optional)
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+```
+
+### Requirements
+
+- AWS SSM Parameter Store configured with database credentials
+- AWS credentials (`AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID`, `AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY`)
+- IAM permissions to read SSM parameters
+- AWS PostgreSQL database instance
+
+### SSM Parameter Setup
+
+Store credentials in AWS SSM Parameter Store:
+
+**Path**: `/test/livingai/db/app` (read-write user)
+
+**Value** (JSON):
+```json
+{
+  "user": "read_write_user",
+  "password": "secure_password",
+  "host": "db.livingai.app",
+  "port": "5432",
+  "database": "livingai_test_db"
+}
+```
+
+## Mode Detection Priority
+
+The system determines database mode in this order:
+
+1. **`DATABASE_MODE`** environment variable (highest priority)
+   - `DATABASE_MODE=local` → Local mode
+   - `DATABASE_MODE=aws` → AWS mode
+
+2. **`USE_AWS_SSM`** environment variable (legacy support)
+   - `USE_AWS_SSM=true` → AWS mode
+   - `USE_AWS_SSM=false` or not set → Local mode
+
+3. **`DB_HOST`** auto-detection
+   - `DB_HOST=db.livingai.app` → AWS mode
+   - Otherwise → Local mode
+
+## Examples
+
+### Example 1: Local Development
+
+```env
+# .env file
+DATABASE_MODE=local
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=dev-secret
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=dev-refresh-secret
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+```
+
+**Start services:**
+```bash
+cd db/farmmarket-db
+docker-compose up -d
+```
+
+### Example 2: AWS Production
+
+```env
+# .env file
+DATABASE_MODE=aws
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY
+DB_USE_READONLY=false
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=prod-secret
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=prod-refresh-secret
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+```
+
+### Example 3: Using Legacy USE_AWS_SSM
+
+```env
+# .env file (still works for backward compatibility)
+USE_AWS_SSM=true
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_key
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_secret
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://...  # Not used when USE_AWS_SSM=true
+```
+
+## Switching Between Modes
+
+### From Local to AWS
+
+1. Update `.env`:
+   ```env
+   DATABASE_MODE=aws
+   AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+   AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_key
+   AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_secret
+   ```
+
+2. Remove or comment out `DATABASE_URL`:
+   ```env
+   # DATABASE_URL=postgresql://...  # Not needed in AWS mode
+   ```
+
+3. Restart application
+
+### From AWS to Local
+
+1. Update `.env`:
+   ```env
+   DATABASE_MODE=local
+   DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+   ```
+
+2. Remove or comment out AWS credentials (optional):
+   ```env
+   # AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+   # AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=...
+   # AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=...
+   ```
+
+3. Start local PostgreSQL:
+   ```bash
+   cd db/farmmarket-db
+   docker-compose up -d postgres
+   ```
+
+4. Restart application
+
+## Verification
+
+### Check Current Mode
+
+When you start the application, you'll see:
+
+**Local Mode:**
+```
+📊 Database Mode: Local (using DATABASE_URL)
+ℹ️  Using DATABASE_URL from environment (local database mode)
+✅ Database connection established successfully
+```
+
+**AWS Mode:**
+```
+📊 Database Mode: AWS (using SSM Parameter Store)
+✅ Successfully fetched DB credentials from SSM: /test/livingai/db/app (read-write user)
+✅ Using database credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store
+   Host: db.livingai.app, Database: livingai_test_db, User: read_write_user
+✅ Database connection established successfully
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Error: "Missing required environment variables"
+
+**Local Mode:**
+- Ensure `DATABASE_URL` is set
+- Check PostgreSQL is running: `docker-compose ps`
+
+**AWS Mode:**
+- Ensure `AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY` are set
+- Verify SSM parameters exist in AWS Console
+- Check IAM permissions for SSM access
+
+### Error: "Database connection failed"
+
+**Local Mode:**
+- Verify PostgreSQL is running: `docker ps`
+- Check `DATABASE_URL` format is correct
+- Test connection: `psql postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket`
+
+**AWS Mode:**
+- Verify AWS credentials are correct
+- Check SSM parameter exists and has correct JSON format
+- Verify database security group allows connections
+- Test AWS credentials: `aws ssm get-parameter --name "/test/livingai/db/app" --with-decryption`
+
+## Best Practices
+
+1. **Use `DATABASE_MODE` explicitly** - Most clear and reliable
+2. **Never commit `.env` files** - Keep credentials secure
+3. **Use different `.env` files** - `.env.local` for local, `.env.production` for AWS
+4. **Test both modes** - Ensure your application works in both environments
+5. **Document your setup** - Note which mode each environment uses
+
+## Summary
+
+- **`DATABASE_MODE=local`** → Uses `DATABASE_URL` from `.env`
+- **`DATABASE_MODE=aws`** → Fetches credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store
+- Both modes work independently
+- Switch by changing one environment variable
+- All business logic remains unchanged
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/ENV_FILE_TEMPLATE.md b/docs/getting-started/ENV_FILE_TEMPLATE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a891f51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/ENV_FILE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+# .env File Template
+
+Copy this template to create your `.env` file in the project root.
+
+## Quick Setup
+
+1. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`:
+   ```bash
+   cp .env.example .env
+   ```
+
+2. Update the values with your actual credentials
+
+3. Set `DATABASE_MODE` to `local` or `aws`
+
+## Complete Template
+
+Create a file named `.env` in the root directory (`G:\LivingAi\farm-auth-service\.env`) with this content:
+
+```env
+# =====================================================
+# DATABASE MODE SWITCH
+# =====================================================
+# Options: 'local' or 'aws'
+DATABASE_MODE=local
+
+# =====================================================
+# LOCAL DATABASE (when DATABASE_MODE=local)
+# =====================================================
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+
+# =====================================================
+# AWS DATABASE (when DATABASE_MODE=aws)
+# =====================================================
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key_here
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key_here
+DB_USE_READONLY=false
+
+# =====================================================
+# JWT Configuration (REQUIRED)
+# =====================================================
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret_here
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret_here
+
+# =====================================================
+# Redis Configuration (Optional)
+# =====================================================
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+
+# =====================================================
+# Application Configuration
+# =====================================================
+NODE_ENV=development
+PORT=3000
+CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=http://localhost:3000
+```
+
+## Minimal Setup for Local Development
+
+If you just want to get started quickly with local database:
+
+```env
+DATABASE_MODE=local
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=change-this-to-a-secret-key
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=change-this-to-another-secret-key
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+NODE_ENV=development
+PORT=3000
+```
+
+## Minimal Setup for AWS Production
+
+For AWS database with SSM:
+
+```env
+DATABASE_MODE=aws
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your-production-secret-key
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your-production-refresh-secret-key
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+NODE_ENV=production
+PORT=3000
+CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=https://your-app-domain.com
+```
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/ENV_VARIABLES_REFERENCE.md b/docs/getting-started/ENV_VARIABLES_REFERENCE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa3246a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/ENV_VARIABLES_REFERENCE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+# Environment Variables Reference
+
+## Quick Reference: `.env` File Format
+
+### For AWS Database (Production)
+
+```env
+# =====================================================
+# AWS Configuration (REQUIRED for SSM access)
+# =====================================================
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key_here
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key_here
+USE_AWS_SSM=true
+
+# =====================================================
+# JWT Configuration (REQUIRED)
+# =====================================================
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret_here
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret_here
+
+# =====================================================
+# Application Configuration
+# =====================================================
+NODE_ENV=production
+PORT=3000
+CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=https://your-app-domain.com
+```
+
+### For Local Development
+
+```env
+# =====================================================
+# Local Database (Local Development Only)
+# =====================================================
+USE_AWS_SSM=false
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password@localhost:5432/farmmarket
+
+# =====================================================
+# JWT Configuration (REQUIRED)
+# =====================================================
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your_jwt_access_secret_here
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your_jwt_refresh_secret_here
+
+# =====================================================
+# Application Configuration
+# =====================================================
+NODE_ENV=development
+PORT=3000
+```
+
+## Variable Descriptions
+
+### AWS Configuration
+
+| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
+|----------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `AWS_REGION` | Yes (for AWS) | `ap-south-1` | AWS region for SSM Parameter Store |
+| `AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID` | Yes (for AWS) | - | AWS access key for SSM access |
+| `AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY` | Yes (for AWS) | - | AWS secret key for SSM access |
+| `USE_AWS_SSM` | Yes (for AWS) | `false` | Set to `true` to use AWS SSM for DB credentials |
+| `DB_USE_READONLY` | No | `false` | Set to `true` to use read-only user |
+| `DB_HOST` | No | `db.livingai.app` | Database host (auto-detected) |
+| `DB_PORT` | No | `5432` | Database port |
+| `DB_NAME` | No | `livingai_test_db` | Database name |
+
+### Database Credentials
+
+⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Database credentials (`DB_USER`, `DB_PASSWORD`, `DATABASE_URL` with credentials) should **NEVER** be in `.env` files when using AWS SSM.
+
+Credentials are fetched from AWS SSM Parameter Store:
+- Read-Write: `/test/livingai/db/app`
+- Read-Only: `/test/livingai/db/app/readonly`
+
+### JWT Configuration
+
+| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
+|----------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `JWT_ACCESS_SECRET` | Yes | - | Secret for signing access tokens |
+| `JWT_REFRESH_SECRET` | Yes | - | Secret for signing refresh tokens |
+| `JWT_ACCESS_TTL` | No | `15m` | Access token expiration time |
+| `JWT_REFRESH_TTL` | No | `7d` | Refresh token expiration time |
+
+### Application Configuration
+
+| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
+|----------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `NODE_ENV` | No | `development` | Environment: `development`, `production`, `test` |
+| `PORT` | No | `3000` | Server port |
+| `CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS` | Yes (prod) | - | Comma-separated list of allowed origins |
+
+### Redis Configuration (Optional)
+
+| Variable | Required | Default | Description |
+|----------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `REDIS_URL` | No | - | Full Redis connection URL (e.g., `redis://localhost:6379`) |
+| `REDIS_HOST` | No | `localhost` | Redis host |
+| `REDIS_PORT` | No | `6379` | Redis port |
+| `REDIS_PASSWORD` | No | - | Redis password (optional) |
+
+**Note**: Redis is optional. If not configured, rate limiting uses in-memory storage.
+
+### Local Development Only
+
+| Variable | Required | Description |
+|----------|----------|-------------|
+| `DATABASE_URL` | Yes (if not using SSM) | PostgreSQL connection string for local database |
+
+## Security Notes
+
+1. **Never commit `.env` files** - Add to `.gitignore`
+2. **Use AWS SSM in production** - No database credentials in files
+3. **Rotate credentials regularly** - Update SSM parameters periodically
+4. **Use environment-specific values** - Different values for dev/test/prod
+
+## Example: Complete Production `.env`
+
+```env
+# AWS Configuration
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY
+USE_AWS_SSM=true
+DB_USE_READONLY=false
+
+# JWT Configuration
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=your-super-secret-access-key-change-this-in-production
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=your-super-secret-refresh-key-change-this-in-production
+JWT_ACCESS_TTL=15m
+JWT_REFRESH_TTL=7d
+
+# Redis Configuration (Optional)
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+# OR
+# REDIS_HOST=your-redis-host
+# REDIS_PORT=6379
+# REDIS_PASSWORD=your-redis-password
+
+# Application Configuration
+NODE_ENV=production
+PORT=3000
+CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=https://app.example.com,https://api.example.com
+```
+
+## Example: Local Development `.env`
+
+```env
+# Local Database
+USE_AWS_SSM=false
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+
+# JWT Configuration
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=dev-secret-key
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=dev-refresh-secret-key
+
+# Redis Configuration (Optional - use local Docker Redis)
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+# OR start Redis with docker-compose and use:
+# REDIS_HOST=localhost
+# REDIS_PORT=6379
+
+# Application Configuration
+NODE_ENV=development
+PORT=3000
+```
+
+## Verification
+
+To verify your environment variables are set correctly:
+
+```bash
+# Check required variables are set
+node -e "require('dotenv').config(); console.log('AWS_REGION:', process.env.AWS_REGION); console.log('USE_AWS_SSM:', process.env.USE_AWS_SSM);"
+```
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/FIX_DATABASE_PERMISSIONS.md b/docs/getting-started/FIX_DATABASE_PERMISSIONS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2006d1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/FIX_DATABASE_PERMISSIONS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+# Fix Database Permissions Error
+
+## Problem
+
+You're getting this error:
+```
+error: permission denied for schema public
+code: '42501'
+```
+
+This happens because the `read_write_user` doesn't have CREATE permission on the `public` schema.
+
+## Solution
+
+You need to grant permissions using a **database admin/superuser account**. The `read_write_user` cannot grant permissions to itself.
+
+## Option 1: Using Admin Database URL (Recommended)
+
+1. **Get admin database credentials** from your AWS RDS console or database administrator
+   - You need a user with superuser privileges or the schema owner
+
+2. **Add to your `.env` file:**
+   ```env
+   ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://admin_user:admin_password@db.livingai.app:5432/livingai_test_db
+   ```
+
+3. **Run the setup script:**
+   ```bash
+   npm run setup-db
+   ```
+
+## Option 2: Manual SQL (If you have database access)
+
+Connect to your database using any PostgreSQL client (psql, pgAdmin, DBeaver, etc.) as an admin user and run:
+
+```sql
+GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
+```
+
+## Option 3: AWS RDS Console
+
+If you're using AWS RDS:
+
+1. Go to AWS RDS Console
+2. Find your database instance
+3. Use "Query Editor" or connect via psql with master credentials
+4. Run the SQL commands from Option 2
+
+## Verification
+
+After running the fix, verify permissions:
+
+```sql
+SELECT 
+  has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'USAGE') as has_usage,
+  has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'CREATE') as has_create;
+```
+
+Both should return `true`.
+
+## Why This Happens
+
+- PostgreSQL doesn't allow users to grant permissions to themselves
+- The `read_write_user` needs CREATE permission to create tables (like `otp_codes`)
+- Only a superuser or schema owner can grant these permissions
+
+## After Fixing
+
+1. Restart your application
+2. Try creating an OTP - it should work now
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/GET_ADMIN_DB_CREDENTIALS.md b/docs/getting-started/GET_ADMIN_DB_CREDENTIALS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e52799b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/GET_ADMIN_DB_CREDENTIALS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+# How to Get Admin Database Credentials
+
+## For AWS RDS Databases
+
+### Option 1: AWS RDS Master User (Easiest)
+
+The **master user** created when you set up the RDS instance has superuser privileges.
+
+1. **Go to AWS RDS Console**
+   - Navigate to: https://console.aws.amazon.com/rds/
+   - Select your database instance
+
+2. **Find Master Username**
+   - In the instance details, look for "Master username"
+   - This is usually `postgres` or a custom name you set
+
+3. **Get Master Password**
+   - If you forgot it, you can reset it:
+     - Select your instance → "Modify" → Change master password
+     - Or use AWS Secrets Manager if configured
+
+4. **Use in .env:**
+   ```env
+   ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://master_username:master_password@db.livingai.app:5432/livingai_test_db
+   ```
+
+### Option 2: AWS RDS Query Editor
+
+If you have AWS Console access:
+
+1. Go to RDS Console → Your Database → "Query Editor"
+2. Connect using master credentials
+3. Run the SQL commands directly:
+   ```sql
+   GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+   GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+   CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
+   ```
+
+### Option 3: Store Admin Credentials in AWS SSM
+
+If you want to automate this:
+
+1. **Store admin credentials in AWS SSM Parameter Store:**
+   ```bash
+   aws ssm put-parameter \
+     --name "/test/livingai/db/admin" \
+     --type "SecureString" \
+     --value '{"user":"admin_user","password":"admin_password","host":"db.livingai.app","port":"5432","database":"livingai_test_db"}' \
+     --region ap-south-1
+   ```
+
+2. **Or set the parameter path in .env:**
+   ```env
+   AWS_SSM_ADMIN_PARAM=/test/livingai/db/admin
+   ```
+
+3. **Run the setup script:**
+   ```bash
+   npm run setup-db
+   ```
+
+### Option 4: Use psql Command Line
+
+If you have psql installed and network access:
+
+```bash
+psql -h db.livingai.app -p 5432 -U master_username -d livingai_test_db
+```
+
+Then run:
+```sql
+GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
+```
+
+## For Local Docker Databases
+
+If using local Docker PostgreSQL:
+
+```env
+ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+```
+
+The default postgres user has superuser privileges.
+
+## Security Notes
+
+⚠️ **Important:**
+- Never commit admin credentials to git
+- Use AWS SSM Parameter Store or AWS Secrets Manager for production
+- Rotate admin passwords regularly
+- Use the admin account only for setup/maintenance, not for application connections
+
+## After Getting Credentials
+
+1. Add to `.env`:
+   ```env
+   ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://admin:password@host:port/database
+   ```
+
+2. Run setup:
+   ```bash
+   npm run setup-db
+   ```
+
+3. Restart your application
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/QUICK_FIX_PERMISSIONS.md b/docs/getting-started/QUICK_FIX_PERMISSIONS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d3099f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/QUICK_FIX_PERMISSIONS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+# Quick Fix: Database Permissions
+
+## Current Situation
+
+✅ You can fetch credentials from AWS SSM:
+- `read_only_user` - Read-only access
+- `read_write_user` - Read-write access (but can't grant permissions to itself)
+
+❌ You need **admin/master user** credentials to grant CREATE permission
+
+## Solution: Get AWS RDS Master User Credentials
+
+### Step 1: Find Master User in AWS RDS
+
+1. Go to **AWS RDS Console**: https://console.aws.amazon.com/rds/
+2. Click on your database instance (`db.livingai.app`)
+3. Look for **"Master username"** in the instance details
+   - Usually it's `postgres` or a custom name you set during creation
+
+### Step 2: Get or Reset Master Password
+
+**Option A: You know the password**
+- Use it directly
+
+**Option B: You forgot the password**
+1. Select your RDS instance
+2. Click **"Modify"**
+3. Change the master password
+4. Apply changes (may require a maintenance window)
+
+### Step 3: Store Admin Credentials in AWS SSM
+
+Run this command in your farm-auth-service directory:
+
+```bash
+npm run store-admin
+```
+
+When prompted, enter:
+- **Username**: Your RDS master username (e.g., `postgres`)
+- **Password**: Your RDS master password
+- **Host**: `db.livingai.app` (default)
+- **Port**: `5432` (default)
+- **Database**: `livingai_test_db` (default)
+
+This will store credentials at: `/test/livingai/db/admin`
+
+### Step 4: Run Setup
+
+```bash
+npm run setup-db
+```
+
+The script will automatically:
+1. Find admin credentials from SSM
+2. Grant CREATE permission to `read_write_user`
+3. Create the `uuid-ossp` extension
+4. Verify permissions
+
+### Step 5: Restart Application
+
+```bash
+npm start
+```
+
+## Alternative: Manual SQL
+
+If you prefer to run SQL directly:
+
+1. Connect to your database using any PostgreSQL client with master credentials
+2. Run:
+   ```sql
+   GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+   GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;
+   CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
+   ```
+
+## Why This Is Needed
+
+PostgreSQL security model:
+- Users cannot grant permissions to themselves
+- Only superusers or schema owners can grant CREATE permission
+- The `read_write_user` needs CREATE permission to create tables like `otp_codes`
+
+## Verification
+
+After setup, verify permissions:
+
+```sql
+SELECT 
+  has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'USAGE') as has_usage,
+  has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'CREATE') as has_create;
+```
+
+Both should return `true`.
+
diff --git a/docs/getting-started/REDIS_SETUP.md b/docs/getting-started/REDIS_SETUP.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3360000
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/getting-started/REDIS_SETUP.md
@@ -0,0 +1,288 @@
+# Redis Setup Guide
+
+Redis is used for distributed rate limiting and OTP tracking. It's **optional** - the service will use in-memory rate limiting if Redis is not available.
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Option 1: Using Docker Compose (Recommended for Local Development)
+
+Redis is already configured in `db/farmmarket-db/docker-compose.yml`. Start it with:
+
+```bash
+cd db/farmmarket-db
+docker-compose up -d redis
+```
+
+Or start all services (PostgreSQL + Redis):
+
+```bash
+docker-compose up -d
+```
+
+Then add to your `.env` file:
+
+```env
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+```
+
+### Option 2: Install Redis Locally
+
+#### macOS (using Homebrew)
+```bash
+brew install redis
+brew services start redis
+```
+
+#### Ubuntu/Debian
+```bash
+sudo apt update
+sudo apt install redis-server
+sudo systemctl start redis-server
+sudo systemctl enable redis-server
+```
+
+#### Windows
+Download and install from: https://github.com/microsoftarchive/redis/releases
+
+Then add to your `.env` file:
+
+```env
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+```
+
+### Option 3: Use Cloud Redis (Production)
+
+For production, use a managed Redis service:
+- **AWS ElastiCache**: `redis://your-elasticache-endpoint:6379`
+- **Redis Cloud**: `redis://user:password@redis-cloud-host:6379`
+- **Azure Cache for Redis**: `redis://your-cache.redis.cache.windows.net:6380?ssl=true`
+
+Add to your `.env` file:
+
+```env
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+# OR with password
+REDIS_URL=redis://:password@your-redis-host:6379
+```
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+### Using REDIS_URL (Recommended)
+
+Single connection string with all details:
+
+```env
+# Without password
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+
+# With password
+REDIS_URL=redis://:password@localhost:6379
+
+# With username and password
+REDIS_URL=redis://username:password@localhost:6379
+
+# With SSL (AWS ElastiCache, etc.)
+REDIS_URL=rediss://your-redis-host:6379
+```
+
+### Using REDIS_HOST and REDIS_PORT
+
+Separate host and port:
+
+```env
+REDIS_HOST=localhost
+REDIS_PORT=6379
+REDIS_PASSWORD=your_password  # Optional
+```
+
+## Verification
+
+### Test Redis Connection
+
+Start your application and look for:
+
+```
+✅ Redis Client: Ready
+```
+
+If Redis is not available, you'll see:
+
+```
+⚠️ Redis not available. Rate limiting will use in-memory fallback.
+```
+
+### Test Redis Manually
+
+```bash
+# Using redis-cli (if installed)
+redis-cli ping
+# Should return: PONG
+
+# Test connection with password
+redis-cli -h localhost -p 6379 -a your_password ping
+```
+
+## Docker Compose Setup
+
+The `docker-compose.yml` file includes Redis:
+
+```yaml
+services:
+  redis:
+    image: redis:7-alpine
+    container_name: farmmarket-redis
+    restart: always
+    ports:
+      - "6379:6379"
+    volumes:
+      - redis_data:/data
+    command: redis-server --appendonly yes
+```
+
+### Start Redis Only
+
+```bash
+cd db/farmmarket-db
+docker-compose up -d redis
+```
+
+### Stop Redis
+
+```bash
+docker-compose stop redis
+```
+
+### View Redis Logs
+
+```bash
+docker-compose logs -f redis
+```
+
+## Production Recommendations
+
+### 1. Use Managed Redis Service
+
+For production, use a managed Redis service:
+- **AWS ElastiCache** (recommended for AWS deployments)
+- **Redis Cloud**
+- **Azure Cache for Redis**
+- **Google Cloud Memorystore**
+
+### 2. Enable Redis Persistence
+
+If using your own Redis instance:
+- Enable AOF (Append-Only File) persistence
+- Configure regular snapshots (RDB)
+- Set up replication for high availability
+
+### 3. Security
+
+- Use password authentication in production
+- Enable SSL/TLS for connections
+- Restrict network access (firewall/VPC)
+- Use IAM roles (for AWS ElastiCache)
+
+### Example: AWS ElastiCache Configuration
+
+```env
+# AWS ElastiCache endpoint
+REDIS_URL=redis://your-cluster.xxxxx.cache.amazonaws.com:6379
+
+# With password
+REDIS_URL=redis://:your-password@your-cluster.xxxxx.cache.amazonaws.com:6379
+
+# With SSL (if enabled)
+REDIS_URL=rediss://your-cluster.xxxxx.cache.amazonaws.com:6379
+```
+
+## Benefits of Using Redis
+
+### Without Redis (In-Memory)
+- ✅ Simple setup
+- ✅ No external dependencies
+- ❌ Rate limits reset on server restart
+- ❌ Not shared across multiple server instances
+- ❌ Limited scalability
+
+### With Redis
+- ✅ Persistent rate limits (survive restarts)
+- ✅ Shared across multiple server instances
+- ✅ Better scalability
+- ✅ Can handle high traffic
+- ❌ Requires Redis setup and maintenance
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Connection Refused
+
+**Error**: `ECONNREFUSED` or `Connection refused`
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Check if Redis is running: `docker-compose ps` or `redis-cli ping`
+2. Verify Redis port is correct (default: 6379)
+3. Check firewall settings
+4. Verify REDIS_URL or REDIS_HOST is correct
+
+### Authentication Failed
+
+**Error**: `NOAUTH Authentication required`
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Add password to REDIS_URL: `redis://:password@host:6379`
+2. Or set `REDIS_PASSWORD` environment variable
+3. Verify password is correct
+
+### Timeout Errors
+
+**Error**: Connection timeout
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Check network connectivity
+2. Verify Redis host and port are correct
+3. Check if Redis is behind a firewall
+4. Increase connection timeout if needed
+
+## Performance Tuning
+
+### Connection Pooling
+
+The Redis client automatically manages connections. Default settings are suitable for most use cases.
+
+### Memory Optimization
+
+If using local Redis:
+
+```bash
+# Set max memory (e.g., 256MB)
+redis-cli CONFIG SET maxmemory 256mb
+redis-cli CONFIG SET maxmemory-policy allkeys-lru
+```
+
+## Monitoring
+
+### Check Redis Stats
+
+```bash
+redis-cli INFO stats
+```
+
+### Monitor Commands
+
+```bash
+redis-cli MONITOR
+```
+
+### Check Memory Usage
+
+```bash
+redis-cli INFO memory
+```
+
+## Next Steps
+
+1. Set up Redis using one of the options above
+2. Add Redis configuration to your `.env` file
+3. Restart your application
+4. Verify connection with `✅ Redis Client: Ready` message
+5. Test rate limiting to ensure it's working
+
diff --git a/example.env b/example.env
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6949646
--- /dev/null
+++ b/example.env
@@ -0,0 +1,128 @@
+# =====================================================
+# FARM AUTH SERVICE - ENVIRONMENT CONFIGURATION
+# =====================================================
+# Copy this file to .env and update with your actual values
+# DO NOT commit .env file to git (it's in .gitignore)
+# =====================================================
+
+# =====================================================
+# DATABASE MODE SWITCH
+# =====================================================
+# Options: 'local' or 'aws'
+# - 'local': Uses DATABASE_URL for local Docker PostgreSQL
+# - 'aws': Uses AWS SSM Parameter Store for AWS PostgreSQL
+# =====================================================
+DATABASE_MODE=aws
+
+# =====================================================
+# LOCAL DATABASE CONFIGURATION
+# =====================================================
+# Only used when DATABASE_MODE=local
+# Format: postgresql://user:password@host:port/database
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:password123@localhost:5433/farmmarket
+
+# =====================================================
+# AWS DATABASE CONFIGURATION
+# =====================================================
+# Only used when DATABASE_MODE=aws
+# These credentials are used ONLY to access AWS SSM Parameter Store
+# Database credentials are fetched from SSM at runtime - NOT stored here
+
+# AWS Region for SSM Parameter Store
+AWS_REGION=ap-south-1
+
+# AWS Access Key (for SSM access only)
+AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_aws_access_key_here
+
+# AWS Secret Key (for SSM access only)
+AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_aws_secret_key_here
+
+# Optional: Control which database user to use
+# false = use read_write_user from /test/livingai/db/app (default for auth service)
+# true = use read_only_user from /test/livingai/db/app/readonly
+DB_USE_READONLY=false
+
+# Optional: Database connection settings (auto-detected if not set)
+# DB_HOST=db.livingai.app
+# DB_PORT=5432
+# DB_NAME=livingai_test_db
+
+# =====================================================
+# JWT Configuration (REQUIRED for both modes)
+# =====================================================
+# These secrets are used to sign and verify JWT tokens
+# Generate strong random secrets for production
+JWT_ACCESS_SECRET=add74b258202057143382e8ee9ecc24a1114eddd3da5db79f3d29d24d7083043
+JWT_REFRESH_SECRET=94a09772321fa15dc41c6c1e07d3b97a5b50d770e29f2ade47e8de5c571a611d
+
+# Optional JWT settings
+JWT_ACCESS_TTL=15m
+JWT_REFRESH_TTL=7d
+
+# =====================================================
+# Redis Configuration (Optional - for rate limiting)
+# =====================================================
+# Redis is optional - if not set, rate limiting uses in-memory storage
+# For local development with Docker Compose:
+REDIS_URL=redis://localhost:6379
+
+# OR use separate host/port:
+# REDIS_HOST=localhost
+# REDIS_PORT=6379
+# REDIS_PASSWORD=your_redis_password
+
+# For production (AWS ElastiCache, etc.):
+# REDIS_URL=redis://your-redis-host:6379
+# REDIS_URL=redis://:password@your-redis-host:6379
+
+# =====================================================
+# Application Configuration
+# =====================================================
+# Environment: development, production, test
+NODE_ENV=development
+
+# Server port
+PORT=3000
+
+# =====================================================
+# CORS Configuration
+# =====================================================
+# For local development, you can leave empty (allows all origins)
+# For production, REQUIRED - comma-separated list of allowed origins
+CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=http://localhost:3000
+
+# Production example:
+# CORS_ALLOWED_ORIGINS=https://app.example.com,https://api.example.com
+
+# =====================================================
+# Twilio Configuration (Optional - for SMS OTP)
+# =====================================================
+# Uncomment and fill in if using Twilio for SMS OTP
+# TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID=your_twilio_account_sid
+# TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN=your_twilio_auth_token
+# TWILIO_PHONE_NUMBER=+1234567890
+
+# =====================================================
+# SECURITY NOTES
+# =====================================================
+# 1. DO NOT commit this file - it's already in .gitignore
+# 2. For AWS mode: Database credentials are fetched from SSM Parameter Store
+#    SSM Parameter Paths:
+#    - Read-Write User: /test/livingai/db/app
+#    - Read-Only User: /test/livingai/db/app/readonly
+# 
+#    SSM Parameter Format (JSON):
+#    {
+#      "user": "read_write_user",
+#      "password": "secure_password_here",
+#      "host": "db.livingai.app",
+#      "port": "5432",
+#      "database": "livingai_test_db"
+#    }
+# 
+# 3. For local mode: Use DATABASE_URL with local PostgreSQL
+#    Start PostgreSQL with: docker-compose up -d postgres (from db/farmmarket-db/)
+# 
+# 4. Replace all placeholder values with your actual credentials
+# 5. Use strong random secrets for JWT_ACCESS_SECRET and JWT_REFRESH_SECRET
+
diff --git a/scripts/setup-db-permissions.js b/scripts/setup-db-permissions.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..592caef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/setup-db-permissions.js
@@ -0,0 +1,261 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+/**
+ * Database Permissions Setup Script
+ * 
+ * This script attempts to grant CREATE permission on the public schema
+ * to the read_write_user. It should be run as a database admin/superuser.
+ * 
+ * Usage:
+ *   node scripts/setup-db-permissions.js
+ * 
+ * Or with admin credentials:
+ *   DATABASE_URL=postgresql://admin:password@host:port/database node scripts/setup-db-permissions.js
+ */
+
+require('dotenv').config();
+const { Pool } = require('pg');
+const { getDbCredentials, buildDatabaseConfig } = require('../src/utils/awsSsm');
+const config = require('../src/config');
+
+async function setupPermissions() {
+  let pool;
+  let adminPool = null;
+
+  try {
+    console.log('🔧 Setting up database permissions...\n');
+
+    // Check if admin DATABASE_URL is provided
+    let adminDatabaseUrl = process.env.ADMIN_DATABASE_URL;
+    
+    // Try to get admin credentials from AWS SSM if available
+    if (!adminDatabaseUrl) {
+      try {
+        const { getDbCredentials, buildDatabaseConfig } = require('../src/utils/awsSsm');
+        const config = require('../src/config');
+        const ssmClient = require('../src/utils/awsSsm').getSsmClient();
+        const { GetParameterCommand } = require('@aws-sdk/client-ssm');
+        
+        // Check multiple common admin parameter paths
+        const adminParamPaths = [
+          process.env.AWS_SSM_ADMIN_PARAM, // Custom path from env
+          '/test/livingai/db/admin',      // Standard admin path
+          '/test/livingai/db/master',      // Alternative: master user
+          '/test/livingai/db/root',         // Alternative: root user
+          '/test/livingai/db/postgres',     // Alternative: postgres user
+        ].filter(Boolean); // Remove undefined values
+        
+        console.log('🔍 Checking AWS SSM for admin credentials...');
+        
+        for (const adminParamPath of adminParamPaths) {
+          try {
+            const response = await ssmClient.send(new GetParameterCommand({
+              Name: adminParamPath,
+              WithDecryption: true,
+            }));
+            
+            const adminCreds = JSON.parse(response.Parameter.Value);
+            const { buildDatabaseUrl } = require('../src/utils/awsSsm');
+            
+            // Use credentials from SSM or fallback to environment/defaults
+            adminDatabaseUrl = buildDatabaseUrl({
+              user: adminCreds.user || adminCreds.username,
+              password: adminCreds.password,
+              host: adminCreds.host || process.env.DB_HOST || 'db.livingai.app',
+              port: adminCreds.port || process.env.DB_PORT || '5432',
+              database: adminCreds.database || adminCreds.dbname || process.env.DB_NAME || 'livingai_test_db',
+            });
+            
+            console.log(`✅ Found admin credentials in AWS SSM: ${adminParamPath}`);
+            console.log(`   User: ${adminCreds.user || adminCreds.username}`);
+            break; // Found credentials, stop searching
+          } catch (ssmError) {
+            // Parameter not found, try next path
+            if (ssmError.name === 'ParameterNotFound') {
+              continue;
+            } else {
+              console.log(`⚠️  Error checking ${adminParamPath}: ${ssmError.message}`);
+            }
+          }
+        }
+        
+        if (!adminDatabaseUrl) {
+          console.log('ℹ️  No admin credentials found in AWS SSM Parameter Store');
+          console.log('   You can store admin credentials at: /test/livingai/db/admin');
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        // SSM check failed, continue with other methods
+        console.log(`⚠️  Could not check AWS SSM: ${error.message}`);
+      }
+    }
+    
+    if (adminDatabaseUrl) {
+      console.log('📝 Using admin DATABASE_URL for setup...');
+      adminPool = new Pool({ connectionString: adminDatabaseUrl });
+    } else {
+      // Try to use the application database connection
+      console.log('📝 Using application database connection...');
+      const databaseMode = config.getDatabaseMode();
+      
+      if (databaseMode === 'aws') {
+        const credentials = await getDbCredentials(false);
+        const poolConfig = buildDatabaseConfig(credentials);
+        pool = new Pool(poolConfig);
+        console.log(`   Connected as: ${poolConfig.user}@${poolConfig.host}/${poolConfig.database}`);
+      } else {
+        if (!config.databaseUrl) {
+          throw new Error('DATABASE_URL not set. Set DATABASE_URL or ADMIN_DATABASE_URL in .env');
+        }
+        pool = new Pool({ connectionString: config.databaseUrl });
+        console.log(`   Connected using DATABASE_URL`);
+      }
+    }
+
+    const dbPool = adminPool || pool;
+
+    // Test connection
+    await dbPool.query('SELECT 1');
+    console.log('✅ Database connection established\n');
+
+    // Get current user and check if superuser
+    const userResult = await dbPool.query(`
+      SELECT 
+        current_user, 
+        current_database(),
+        (SELECT usesuper FROM pg_user WHERE usename = current_user) as is_superuser
+    `);
+    const currentUser = userResult.rows[0].current_user;
+    const currentDb = userResult.rows[0].current_database;
+    const isSuperuser = userResult.rows[0].is_superuser;
+    console.log(`👤 Current user: ${currentUser}`);
+    console.log(`📊 Database: ${currentDb}`);
+    console.log(`🔑 Superuser: ${isSuperuser ? 'Yes ✅' : 'No ❌'}\n`);
+
+    // Check if read_write_user exists
+    const userCheck = await dbPool.query(
+      "SELECT 1 FROM pg_roles WHERE rolname = 'read_write_user'"
+    );
+
+    if (userCheck.rows.length === 0) {
+      console.log('⚠️  WARNING: read_write_user does not exist in the database.');
+      console.log('   You may need to create it first, or use a different user name.\n');
+    }
+
+    // Warn if trying to grant to self (PostgreSQL allows this but it's a no-op)
+    if (currentUser === 'read_write_user' && !isSuperuser) {
+      console.log('⚠️  WARNING: You are connected as read_write_user trying to grant permissions to itself.');
+      console.log('   PostgreSQL does not allow users to grant permissions to themselves.');
+      console.log('   You need to connect as a superuser or schema owner.\n');
+      console.log('📋 To fix this:');
+      console.log('   1. Get admin/superuser database credentials');
+      console.log('   2. Set ADMIN_DATABASE_URL in .env:');
+      console.log('      ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://admin:password@host:port/database');
+      console.log('   3. Run this script again\n');
+      throw new Error('Cannot grant permissions to self. Need admin credentials.');
+    }
+
+    // Attempt to grant permissions
+    console.log('🔐 Granting permissions...\n');
+
+    try {
+      // Grant USAGE on schema
+      await dbPool.query('GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user');
+      console.log('✅ Granted USAGE on schema public to read_write_user');
+
+      // Grant CREATE on schema
+      await dbPool.query('GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user');
+      console.log('✅ Granted CREATE on schema public to read_write_user');
+
+      // Set default privileges
+      await dbPool.query(`
+        ALTER DEFAULT PRIVILEGES IN SCHEMA public 
+        GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON TABLES TO read_write_user
+      `);
+      console.log('✅ Set default privileges for tables');
+
+      await dbPool.query(`
+        ALTER DEFAULT PRIVILEGES IN SCHEMA public 
+        GRANT ALL ON SEQUENCES TO read_write_user
+      `);
+      console.log('✅ Set default privileges for sequences');
+
+      // Try to create extension (may fail if not superuser)
+      try {
+        await dbPool.query('CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp"');
+        console.log('✅ Created uuid-ossp extension');
+      } catch (extError) {
+        if (extError.code === '42501') {
+          console.log('⚠️  Could not create uuid-ossp extension (requires superuser)');
+          console.log('   Extension may need to be created manually by database admin');
+        } else {
+          throw extError;
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Verify permissions were actually granted
+      console.log('\n🔍 Verifying permissions...');
+      const permCheck = await dbPool.query(`
+        SELECT 
+          has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'USAGE') as has_usage,
+          has_schema_privilege('read_write_user', 'public', 'CREATE') as has_create
+      `);
+      
+      const hasUsage = permCheck.rows[0].has_usage;
+      const hasCreate = permCheck.rows[0].has_create;
+      
+      if (!hasUsage || !hasCreate) {
+        console.log('❌ WARNING: Permissions verification failed!');
+        console.log(`   USAGE: ${hasUsage ? '✅' : '❌'}`);
+        console.log(`   CREATE: ${hasCreate ? '✅' : '❌'}`);
+        console.log('\n   This usually means you need admin credentials to grant permissions.');
+        throw new Error('Permissions were not granted. Need admin/superuser access.');
+      }
+      
+      console.log('✅ Permissions verified:');
+      console.log(`   USAGE: ${hasUsage ? '✅' : '❌'}`);
+      console.log(`   CREATE: ${hasCreate ? '✅' : '❌'}`);
+
+      console.log('\n✅ Database permissions setup completed successfully!');
+      console.log('\n📋 Next steps:');
+      console.log('   1. Restart your application');
+      console.log('   2. Try creating an OTP - it should work now');
+
+    } catch (permError) {
+      if (permError.code === '42501') {
+        console.error('\n❌ ERROR: Permission denied. You need to run this script as a database admin/superuser.');
+        console.error('\n📋 To fix this:');
+        console.error('   1. Connect to your database as an admin/superuser');
+        console.error('   2. Run these SQL commands:');
+        console.error('\n      GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;');
+        console.error('      GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;');
+        console.error('      CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";');
+        console.error('\n   3. Or set ADMIN_DATABASE_URL in .env with admin credentials:');
+        console.error('      ADMIN_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://admin:password@host:port/database');
+        process.exit(1);
+      } else {
+        throw permError;
+      }
+    }
+
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('\n❌ Error setting up database permissions:');
+    console.error(`   ${error.message}`);
+      console.error('\n📋 Manual setup instructions:');
+      console.error('   Connect to your database as admin and run:');
+      console.error('   GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;');
+      console.error('   GRANT CREATE ON SCHEMA public TO read_write_user;');
+      console.error('   CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";');
+      console.error('\n📖 For detailed instructions on getting admin credentials, see:');
+      console.error('   docs/getting-started/GET_ADMIN_DB_CREDENTIALS.md');
+      process.exit(1);
+  } finally {
+    if (pool) await pool.end();
+    if (adminPool) await adminPool.end();
+  }
+}
+
+// Run the setup
+setupPermissions().catch((error) => {
+  console.error('Fatal error:', error);
+  process.exit(1);
+});
+
diff --git a/scripts/store-admin-credentials.js b/scripts/store-admin-credentials.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30cca7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/store-admin-credentials.js
@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+/**
+ * Store Admin Database Credentials in AWS SSM Parameter Store
+ * 
+ * This script helps you store admin database credentials in AWS SSM
+ * so the setup script can automatically use them.
+ * 
+ * Usage:
+ *   node scripts/store-admin-credentials.js
+ * 
+ * Or provide credentials via environment variables:
+ *   ADMIN_DB_USER=postgres ADMIN_DB_PASSWORD=password node scripts/store-admin-credentials.js
+ */
+
+require('dotenv').config();
+const readline = require('readline');
+const { SSMClient, PutParameterCommand } = require('@aws-sdk/client-ssm');
+
+// AWS Configuration
+const REGION = process.env.AWS_REGION || 'ap-south-1';
+const ACCESS_KEY = process.env.AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID;
+const SECRET_KEY = process.env.AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY;
+
+if (!ACCESS_KEY || !SECRET_KEY) {
+  console.error('❌ Error: AWS credentials required');
+  console.error('   Set AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID and AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY in .env');
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+const ssmClient = new SSMClient({
+  region: REGION,
+  credentials: {
+    accessKeyId: ACCESS_KEY,
+    secretAccessKey: SECRET_KEY,
+  },
+});
+
+// Default values from environment or existing app credentials
+const DB_HOST = process.env.DB_HOST || 'db.livingai.app';
+const DB_PORT = process.env.DB_PORT || '5432';
+const DB_NAME = process.env.DB_NAME || 'livingai_test_db';
+const ADMIN_PARAM_PATH = process.env.AWS_SSM_ADMIN_PARAM || '/test/livingai/db/admin';
+
+const rl = readline.createInterface({
+  input: process.stdin,
+  output: process.stdout,
+});
+
+function question(prompt) {
+  return new Promise((resolve) => {
+    rl.question(prompt, resolve);
+  });
+}
+
+async function storeAdminCredentials() {
+  try {
+    console.log('🔐 Store Admin Database Credentials in AWS SSM\n');
+    console.log(`📋 Parameter Path: ${ADMIN_PARAM_PATH}`);
+    console.log(`🌍 Region: ${REGION}\n`);
+
+    // Get admin credentials
+    let adminUser = process.env.ADMIN_DB_USER;
+    let adminPassword = process.env.ADMIN_DB_PASSWORD;
+    let adminHost = process.env.ADMIN_DB_HOST || DB_HOST;
+    let adminPort = process.env.ADMIN_DB_PORT || DB_PORT;
+    let adminDatabase = process.env.ADMIN_DB_NAME || DB_NAME;
+
+    if (!adminUser) {
+      adminUser = await question('Enter admin database username (e.g., postgres): ');
+    }
+    if (!adminPassword) {
+      adminPassword = await question('Enter admin database password: ');
+      // Hide password input
+      process.stdout.write('\x1B[1A\x1B[2K'); // Move up and clear line
+    }
+
+    const useDefaults = await question(`\nUse default values? (Host: ${adminHost}, Port: ${adminPort}, Database: ${adminDatabase}) [Y/n]: `);
+    
+    if (useDefaults.toLowerCase() === 'n') {
+      adminHost = await question(`Database host [${adminHost}]: `) || adminHost;
+      adminPort = await question(`Database port [${adminPort}]: `) || adminPort;
+      adminDatabase = await question(`Database name [${adminDatabase}]: `) || adminDatabase;
+    }
+
+    // Create credentials object
+    const credentials = {
+      user: adminUser,
+      password: adminPassword,
+      host: adminHost,
+      port: adminPort,
+      database: adminDatabase,
+    };
+
+    console.log('\n📤 Storing credentials in AWS SSM...');
+    console.log(`   User: ${adminUser}`);
+    console.log(`   Host: ${adminHost}:${adminPort}`);
+    console.log(`   Database: ${adminDatabase}`);
+
+    // Store in SSM
+    const command = new PutParameterCommand({
+      Name: ADMIN_PARAM_PATH,
+      Type: 'SecureString',
+      Value: JSON.stringify(credentials),
+      Description: 'Admin database credentials for farm-auth-service setup',
+      Overwrite: true, // Allow overwriting existing parameter
+    });
+
+    await ssmClient.send(command);
+
+    console.log('\n✅ Admin credentials stored successfully!');
+    console.log(`\n📋 Next steps:`);
+    console.log(`   1. Run: npm run setup-db`);
+    console.log(`   2. The setup script will automatically use these credentials`);
+    console.log(`\n💡 To use a different parameter path, set AWS_SSM_ADMIN_PARAM in .env`);
+
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('\n❌ Error storing credentials:');
+    if (error.name === 'AccessDeniedException') {
+      console.error('   Permission denied. Ensure your AWS user has permission to write to SSM Parameter Store.');
+      console.error(`   Required permission: ssm:PutParameter for ${ADMIN_PARAM_PATH}`);
+    } else {
+      console.error(`   ${error.message}`);
+    }
+    process.exit(1);
+  } finally {
+    rl.close();
+  }
+}
+
+// Run the script
+storeAdminCredentials().catch((error) => {
+  console.error('Fatal error:', error);
+  process.exit(1);
+});
+
diff --git a/src/db.js b/src/db.js
index 3e1c283..70687c9 100644
--- a/src/db.js
+++ b/src/db.js
@@ -28,12 +28,16 @@ async function initializeDb() {
 
     // Try to get credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store
     // Only if USE_AWS_SSM is explicitly set to 'true'
+    let credentials = null;
     if (process.env.USE_AWS_SSM === 'true' || process.env.USE_AWS_SSM === '1') {
       try {
-        const credentials = await getDbCredentials();
+        credentials = await getDbCredentials();
         if (credentials) {
           connectionString = buildDatabaseUrl(credentials);
           console.log('✅ Using database credentials from AWS SSM Parameter Store');
+          console.log(`   📊 Database: ${credentials.dbname || credentials.database || 'unknown'}`);
+          console.log(`   🌐 Hostname: ${credentials.host || 'unknown'}`);
+          console.log(`   👤 User: ${credentials.user || 'unknown'}`);
         } else {
           console.log('⚠️  AWS SSM not available, using DATABASE_URL from environment');
         }
@@ -54,10 +58,32 @@ async function initializeDb() {
       process.exit(-1);
     });
 
-    // Test connection
+    // Test connection and log current user
     try {
       await pool.query('SELECT 1');
       console.log('✅ Database connection established');
+      
+      // Try to get connection details (may fail if user lacks permissions)
+      try {
+        const userResult = await pool.query('SELECT current_user, current_database(), inet_server_addr() as server_ip');
+        const dbInfo = userResult.rows[0];
+        console.log(`   👤 Connected as: ${dbInfo.current_user}`);
+        console.log(`   📊 Database: ${dbInfo.current_database}`);
+        // Show hostname from SSM (what we connected to) and server IP (actual server)
+        if (credentials && credentials.host) {
+          console.log(`   🌐 Hostname (from SSM): ${credentials.host}`);
+        }
+        if (dbInfo.server_ip) {
+          console.log(`   🖥️  Server IP: ${dbInfo.server_ip}`);
+        }
+      } catch (infoErr) {
+        // If we can't get user info, at least show what we know from credentials
+        if (credentials) {
+          console.log(`   👤 User: ${credentials.user || 'unknown'}`);
+          console.log(`   📊 Database: ${credentials.dbname || credentials.database || 'unknown'}`);
+          console.log(`   🌐 Hostname (from SSM): ${credentials.host || 'unknown'}`);
+        }
+      }
     } catch (err) {
       console.error('❌ Database connection failed:', err.message);
       throw err;
diff --git a/src/middleware/dbAccessLogger.js b/src/middleware/dbAccessLogger.js
index de2d2d3..cf416e2 100644
--- a/src/middleware/dbAccessLogger.js
+++ b/src/middleware/dbAccessLogger.js
@@ -19,8 +19,7 @@
  * 
  * Sensitive tables (always logged if enabled):
  * - users
- * - otp_codes
- * - otp_requests
+ * - otp_requests (primary OTP table from final_db.sql)
  * - refresh_tokens
  * - auth_audit
  */
@@ -33,8 +32,7 @@ const LOG_LEVEL = process.env.DB_ACCESS_LOG_LEVEL || 'sensitive'; // 'all' or 's
 // Tables that contain sensitive data (always logged)
 const SENSITIVE_TABLES = [
   'users',
-  'otp_codes',
-  'otp_requests',
+  'otp_requests', // Primary OTP table (from final_db.sql)
   'refresh_tokens',
   'auth_audit',
   'user_devices',
diff --git a/src/services/otpService.js b/src/services/otpService.js
index fddef2b..da31562 100644
--- a/src/services/otpService.js
+++ b/src/services/otpService.js
@@ -11,8 +11,6 @@ const OTP_TTL_SECONDS = parseInt(process.env.OTP_TTL_SECONDS || '120', 10); // 2
 const OTP_EXPIRY_MS = OTP_TTL_SECONDS * 1000;
 const MAX_OTP_ATTEMPTS = Number(process.env.OTP_VERIFY_MAX_ATTEMPTS || process.env.OTP_MAX_ATTEMPTS || 5);
 
-let otpTableReadyPromise;
-
 // === SECURITY HARDENING: TIMING ATTACK PROTECTION ===
 // Pre-computed dummy hash for constant-time comparison when OTP not found
 // This ensures bcrypt.compare() always executes with similar timing
@@ -27,44 +25,18 @@ async function getDummyOtpHash() {
   return dummyOtpHash;
 }
 
-function ensureOtpCodesTable() {
-  if (!otpTableReadyPromise) {
-    otpTableReadyPromise = db.query(`
-      CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
-      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS otp_codes (
-        id UUID PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT uuid_generate_v4(),
-        phone_number VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,
-        otp_hash VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
-        expires_at TIMESTAMPTZ NOT NULL,
-        attempt_count INT NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
-        created_at TIMESTAMPTZ NOT NULL DEFAULT NOW()
-      );
-      CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_otp_codes_phone ON otp_codes (phone_number);
-      CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_otp_codes_expires ON otp_codes (expires_at);
-      DO $$
-      BEGIN
-        IF EXISTS (
-          SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.columns
-          WHERE table_name = 'otp_codes' AND column_name = 'code'
-        ) THEN
-          ALTER TABLE otp_codes RENAME COLUMN code TO otp_hash;
-        END IF;
-        IF EXISTS (
-          SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.columns
-          WHERE table_name = 'otp_codes' AND column_name = 'verified_at'
-        ) THEN
-          ALTER TABLE otp_codes DROP COLUMN verified_at;
-        END IF;
-        IF NOT EXISTS (
-          SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.columns
-          WHERE table_name = 'otp_codes' AND column_name = 'attempt_count'
-        ) THEN
-          ALTER TABLE otp_codes ADD COLUMN attempt_count INT NOT NULL DEFAULT 0;
-        END IF;
-      END $$;
-    `);
+/**
+ * Extract country code from phone number (e.g., +91 from +919876543210)
+ * @param {string} phoneNumber - Phone number in E.164 format
+ * @returns {string} Country code (default: '+91')
+ */
+function extractCountryCode(phoneNumber) {
+  if (!phoneNumber || !phoneNumber.startsWith('+')) {
+    return '+91'; // Default to India
   }
-  return otpTableReadyPromise;
+  // Extract country code (typically 1-3 digits after +)
+  const match = phoneNumber.match(/^\+(\d{1,3})/);
+  return match ? `+${match[1]}` : '+91';
 }
 
 /**
@@ -80,7 +52,6 @@ function generateOtpCode() {
  * @returns {Promise<{code: string}>} - The generated OTP code
  */
 async function createOtp(phoneNumber) {
-  await ensureOtpCodesTable();
   const code = generateOtpCode();
   const expiresAt = new Date(Date.now() + OTP_EXPIRY_MS);
   const otpHash = await bcrypt.hash(code, 10);
@@ -88,20 +59,23 @@ async function createOtp(phoneNumber) {
   // === SECURITY HARDENING: FIELD-LEVEL ENCRYPTION ===
   // Encrypt phone number before storing
   const encryptedPhone = encryptPhoneNumber(phoneNumber);
+  const countryCode = extractCountryCode(phoneNumber);
 
   // === ADDED FOR 2-MIN OTP VALIDITY & NO-RESEND ===
-  // Delete any existing OTPs for this phone number
+  // Mark existing OTPs as deleted for this phone number
   // Note: We search by encrypted phone to handle both encrypted and plaintext (backward compatibility)
   await db.query(
-    'DELETE FROM otp_codes WHERE phone_number = $1 OR phone_number = $2',
+    `UPDATE otp_requests 
+     SET deleted = TRUE 
+     WHERE (phone_number = $1 OR phone_number = $2) AND deleted = FALSE`,
     [encryptedPhone, phoneNumber] // Try both encrypted and plaintext for backward compatibility
   );
 
-  // Insert new OTP with encrypted phone number
+  // Insert new OTP with encrypted phone number (using otp_requests table from final_db.sql)
   await db.query(
-    `INSERT INTO otp_codes (phone_number, otp_hash, expires_at, attempt_count)
-     VALUES ($1, $2, $3, 0)`,
-    [encryptedPhone, otpHash, expiresAt]
+    `INSERT INTO otp_requests (phone_number, country_code, otp_hash, expires_at, attempt_count, deleted)
+     VALUES ($1, $2, $3, $4, 0, FALSE)`,
+    [encryptedPhone, countryCode, otpHash, expiresAt]
   );
 
   // === ADDED FOR 2-MIN OTP VALIDITY & NO-RESEND ===
@@ -129,16 +103,16 @@ async function createOtp(phoneNumber) {
  * - All code paths take similar execution time regardless of outcome
  */
 async function verifyOtp(phoneNumber, code) {
-  await ensureOtpCodesTable();
-  
   // === SECURITY HARDENING: FIELD-LEVEL ENCRYPTION ===
   // Encrypt phone number for search (handles both encrypted and plaintext for backward compatibility)
   const encryptedPhone = encryptPhoneNumber(phoneNumber);
   
   const result = await db.query(
-    `SELECT id, otp_hash, expires_at, attempt_count, phone_number
-     FROM otp_codes
-     WHERE phone_number = $1 OR phone_number = $2
+    `SELECT id, otp_hash, expires_at, attempt_count, phone_number, consumed_at
+     FROM otp_requests
+     WHERE (phone_number = $1 OR phone_number = $2)
+       AND deleted = FALSE
+       AND consumed_at IS NULL
      ORDER BY created_at DESC
      LIMIT 1`,
     [encryptedPhone, phoneNumber] // Try both encrypted and plaintext for backward compatibility
@@ -189,14 +163,20 @@ async function verifyOtp(phoneNumber, code) {
   }
 
   if (isExpired) {
-    // OTP expired - delete and return (but we already did bcrypt.compare for constant time)
-    await db.query('DELETE FROM otp_codes WHERE id = $1', [otpRecord.id]);
+    // OTP expired - mark as consumed (but we already did bcrypt.compare for constant time)
+    await db.query(
+      'UPDATE otp_requests SET consumed_at = NOW() WHERE id = $1',
+      [otpRecord.id]
+    );
     return { ok: false, reason: 'expired' };
   }
 
   if (isMaxAttempts) {
-    // Max attempts exceeded - delete and return (but we already did bcrypt.compare for constant time)
-    await db.query('DELETE FROM otp_codes WHERE id = $1', [otpRecord.id]);
+    // Max attempts exceeded - mark as consumed (but we already did bcrypt.compare for constant time)
+    await db.query(
+      'UPDATE otp_requests SET consumed_at = NOW() WHERE id = $1',
+      [otpRecord.id]
+    );
     return { ok: false, reason: 'max_attempts' };
   }
 
@@ -205,27 +185,34 @@ async function verifyOtp(phoneNumber, code) {
     // === ADDED FOR OTP ATTEMPT LIMIT ===
     // Increment attempt count
     await db.query(
-      'UPDATE otp_codes SET attempt_count = attempt_count + 1 WHERE id = $1',
+      'UPDATE otp_requests SET attempt_count = attempt_count + 1 WHERE id = $1',
       [otpRecord.id]
     );
     return { ok: false, reason: 'invalid' };
   }
 
   // === ADDED FOR 2-MIN OTP VALIDITY & NO-RESEND ===
-  // Delete OTP once verified to prevent reuse
-  // Also clears the active OTP marker (via deletion, Redis TTL will handle cleanup)
-  await db.query('DELETE FROM otp_codes WHERE id = $1', [otpRecord.id]);
+  // Mark OTP as consumed once verified to prevent reuse
+  // Using consumed_at instead of deleting (matches final_db.sql schema)
+  await db.query(
+    'UPDATE otp_requests SET consumed_at = NOW() WHERE id = $1',
+    [otpRecord.id]
+  );
 
   return { ok: true };
 }
 
 /**
  * Clean up expired OTPs (can be called periodically)
+ * Marks expired OTPs as consumed instead of deleting (matches final_db.sql schema)
  */
 async function cleanupExpiredOtps() {
-  await ensureOtpCodesTable();
   await db.query(
-    'DELETE FROM otp_codes WHERE expires_at < NOW()'
+    `UPDATE otp_requests 
+     SET consumed_at = NOW() 
+     WHERE expires_at < NOW() 
+       AND consumed_at IS NULL 
+       AND deleted = FALSE`
   );
 }