Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), the agricultural university in Chhattisgarh, has collaborated with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to develop a mobile application called the Crop Doctor app. This app aims to provide farmers with information, knowledge, and solutions for various issues related to major crops.
The Crop Doctor app offers comprehensive information about major crops, including paddy, vegetables, and pulses. It also provides details about diseases, insects, and nutrient deficiencies that affect crops. This knowledge can be accessed by farmers, livestock breeders, herders, dairy workers, agriculture department officers, traders, and other individuals involved in the agriculture and allied sectors.
To obtain information about crop diseases, insects, and nutrient deficiencies, users simply need to upload an image of the affected plant or crop. Currently, there are a total of 256,473 users of the app, including agricultural scientists, input dealers, farmers, and agriculture students.
The app caters to both national and international users and offers a wide range of features for major crops such as paddy, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds. These features include updates on market prices, government schemes, direct links to knowledge centers, and the ability to book online appointments with scientists or specialists. It also provides information on crop variety, production, and protection.
Additionally, the app facilitates the rental of farming equipment, allowing farmers to easily access machinery and sell their products in a timely manner. By registering on the website, users can learn about average demand and off-season rates, enabling them to price their items accordingly. This feature eliminates the need for middlemen in the agricultural supply chain.
The Crop Doctor app also serves as a platform for two-way communication between farmers and extension officers. Farmers can post their issues, and the extension officers can offer solutions and advice.
This e-enabled farmer-centric service provides online guidance for establishing high-income generation practices and offers information on resources like irrigation, soil type, and land type. The app is available for download on the Play Store and is currently being used in various regions, including remote Naxal-affected areas in the state and other states.
Bhisam Verma, a farmer from Batang village in the Patan area of Durg district, Chhattisgarh, mentioned that he primarily uses this app to rent agricultural implements such as tractors, harvesting machines, and pesticides, as it is cost-effective. He also utilizes the app to stay updated on weather forecasts and learn about crops like paddy and wheat.
