A group of scientists at Kerala Agricultural University’s Malappuram Krishi Vigyan Kendra has developed a new mobile app for farmers that covers 100 crops included in the university’s Package of Practices recommendations.
The app works on Android, Windows, and other phones using HTML5 browsers.
This is for the first time that such a wide range of crops is being covered by an app and it has opened up avenues for making extension work easier and cost effective, says a scientist associated with the project. The app is suited to both big and small farmers and is structured simply to allow easy navigation.
The information on different areas of farming like fertilizer requirements is provided in a simple language. The app reduces time and location problems in transfer of technology, which is of great importance when small farmers in remote places are involved, the scientist adds.
The information flow is kept simple. The fertilizer information button makes clear how much fertilizer is to be applied, when and how. This assumes special significance in the homestead situation of Kerala. The fertilizer recommendations are made per plant basis or by taking unit area in cents.
The after-care button provides information on weeding, irrigation, and other intercultural operations. There is information on harvest and storage. The crop duration, maturity indicators, harvesting, and the activities immediately after harvest are simply presented.
There is also detailed information on topics like different organic and inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.
Source : The Hindu
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