A mobile app is a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computer devices, such as smart phone and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers. Mobile phones have gained an important share in the agricultural sector because of their utility, simplicity of use, and cost. The adoption of social technology by small holder farmers has been surprising, as WhatsApp and Facebook are widely used among them. This has led to an increase of 67.6% in smartphone use in rural markets.
In India, number of smartphone users till 2023 is 1013.57 million. (according to Statista). There were 692.0 million internet users in India at the start of 2023, when internet penetration stood at 48.7 percent. India was home to 467.0 million social media users in January 2023, equating to 32.8 percent of the total population (1.42 billion). a total of 1.10 billion cellular mobile connections were active in India in early 2023, with this figure equivalent to 77.0 percent of the total population.
According to Krell et al. (2021), approximately 25% of the farmers use mobile phones to access information about agriculture and livestock, 23% to buy and sell products, and 18% to receive news updates. However, Khan et al. (2020).
Role of mobile application in fruit crop history: - Early mobile tools(2000s), SMS-Based Services (2000s), Basic Agricultural Apps (2010s), Weather and Crop Monitoring Apps (2010s), Precision Agriculture Apps (2010s - Present), IoT Integration (2010s - Present), Drones and Satellite Imagery (2010s - Present), Market Access and E-Commerce (2010s - Present), Blockchain for Traceability (2010s - Present), Advanced Decision Support Systems (Present).
Mobile technology is being utilized in various ways in fruit science
Data Collection and Field Monitoring, Image Recognition for crop diagnosis i.e. Disease and Pest Identification, Digital Plant Pathology, Climate Smart Agriculture, Precision Horticultural Practices, Research Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing, Market Access and Traceability.
Classification of application
(A) Cultivation Application work in the same way
(B) Smart Application
(A)Cultivation Application work in the same way
Mango • Papaya • Orange • Grapes • Apple • Banana
(B)Smart Application
Plantix • Agri Apps • Agri Center • Krishi Network • BigHaa.
Advantages
1. Easily available on play store 2. Free of cost 3. Crop Monitoring 4. Resource Management 5. Market Access and Pricing Information 6. Weather Forecasting and Risk Management 7. Data-driven Decision Making.
Dis-advantages
1. Digital Illiteracy 2. Dependency on Technology 3. Compatibility Issues 4. Language and Localization Challenges 5. Technical Support and Maintenance 6. Costs and Affordability.
2. Master’s Seminar (FSC-591)
on
Role of mobile/ internet based software in modern fruit production &
management.
Presented by: Shivam Kumar Gautam
Department of Fruit Science
College of Horticulture
Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda
4. Introduction
What is mobile phone- a mobile phone is a wireless handheld device
that allows users to make and receive calls and to send text messages
among other features.
Mobile Application- A mobile app is a software application developed
specifically for use on small, wireless computer devices, such as smart
phone and tablets, rather than desktop or laptop computers.
Mobile phones have gained an important share in the agricultural sector
because of their utility, simplicity of use, and cost. The adoption of social
technology by small holder farmers has been surprising, as WhatsApp
and Facebook are widely used among them. This has led to an increase of
67.6% in smartphone use in rural markets (Khan, 2022).
5. In India, number of smartphone users till 2023 is 1013.57 millions. (according to
Statista).
There were 692.0 million internet users in India at the start of 2023, when internet
penetration stood at 48.7 percent.
India was home to 467.0 million social media users in January 2023, equating
to 32.8 percent of the total population (1.42 billion).
A total of 1.10 billion cellular mobile connections were active in India in early 2023,
with this figure equivalent to 77.0 percent of the total population.
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-india
According to Krell et al. (2021), approximately 25% of the farmers use mobile
phones to access information about agriculture and livestock, 23% to buy and sell
products, and 18% to receive news updates. However, Khan et al. (2020).
6. History
Here's a historical overview of the progression of mobile applications in fruit crop
management:
Early Mobile Tools (2000s)
SMS-Based Services (2000s)
Basic Agricultural Apps (2010s) Ex- Kisan Suvidha etc.
Weather and Crop Monitoring Apps (2010s)
Drones and Satellite Imagery (2010s - Present)
Market Access and E-Commerce (2010s - Present)
Blockchain for Traceability (2010s - Present)
Advance decision support systems (Present)
7. Mobile technology is being
utilized in various ways in
fruit science
Data Collection and Field Monitoring
Image Recognition for crop diagnosis i.e.
Disease and Pest Identification
Digital Plant Pathology
Climate Smart Agriculture
Precision Horticultural Practices
Research Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Market Access and Traceability
9. Mango Cultivation application
Developed from -IIHR, Mar-2017
This mobile application has
developed for farmers and
stakeholders.
The application considered crop
production including soil &
climate requirement, propagation,
layout, training & pruning, INM,
irrigation and harvesting. It also
tells about diseases and how to
control insects.
Link-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.mangoapp55&hl=e
n_IN
10. Papaya
Developed by IIHR, Feb 2019
A mobile application has been developed
for papaya cultivation which provides crop
management and solution, provide different
type information. Like Crop production
aspects, variety, The Crop production viz.
Spacing and planting, Propagation, Nutrient
management, Irrigation etc. are available.
Link-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=
com.papayaapp55&hl=en_IN&gl=US
11. Developed by Black Ant, Dec 2019
why developed Orange cultivation apps ?
Cultivation Practices
Varietal Guidance
Irrigation and Fertilization
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BlackAnt.orangecultivation&hl=en_AU
12. Developed by martin apps, Nov
2019
why developed grapes cultivation
apps ?
Cultivation Practices
Varietal Guidance
Irrigation and Fertilization
Water Management
Pesticide Recommendations
Grapes cultivation
13. Apple cultivation
Developed by martin apps,
Dec 2019,
Special Features
Crop Planning
Pruning Guidelines
Irrigation Schedules
Pest and Disease
Management
14. Time-saving
Banana cultivation
Released on May 2020, Mapp's C-DAC Hyderabad
Banana cultivation application cover the
topics of Climate Requirements, INM,,
Intercultural Operations, Maturity and
Harvesting, Yield and Ratooning.
Link- ttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cdac.production&hl=en_US
15. Krishi network Apps
Developed by Krishi network,
Jan 2018
Special feature
Questions answer Add
photo of crop disease Ask
Questions
Weather information
Farming Choose crops
Pesticides Choose crops
Lest of major diseases
Mandi My crops
Nearby mandis
16. Agri central apps
Developed by AgriCentral, Dec 2018
Special feature
Farm Voice
Crop Care Select affected
Upload crop’s photo Get
solution to problem
Crop plant
Market View
Bulletin News Schemes
Weather
17. Feature in Plantix
Fertilizer calculator
Pests & diseases
Cultivation Tips
Pests and Diseases Alert
Weather Forecast
Developed by Plantix
company, Jun 2015
18. App Top Feature
Developed by AgriApp, Sep
2014
Crop Advisory
Weather Forecasts & Real-time
updates
Online marketplace
Diverse Type equation here.
crop guides
Partnering with top brands for
quality assurance- 500+ brands
like Bayer, Criyagen, Syngenta
etc.
Agri Apps
19. Developed by BigHaat, Jun 2015
Special feature
Crop Advisory more than 70 crops
Kisan Vedika for farmers
Kisan Mudra Provide loans like Gold loan, Crop loan,
Tractor loan, etc.
Crop Doctor
Agriculture product store 9000 + product are alible
Weather Forecast
BigHaat
Farmer
Apps
20. Advantages
Easily
available on
play store
Free of cost
Crop
Monitoring
Resource
Management
Market
Access and
Pricing
Information
Weather
Forecasting
and Risk
Management
Data-driven
Decision
Making
22. • In conclusion, the role of mobile and internet-based applications in modern fruit production and
management is significant, offering a range of advantages and opportunities for farmers,
producers, and stakeholders in the Horticulture sector. These technologies provide a platform for
precision farming, real-time data analysis, and improved decision-making, contributing to
increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in fruit cultivation. The benefits encompass
aspects of crop monitoring, resource management, market access, supply chain optimization, and
data-driven decision-making. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the associated limitations and
challenges. Issues such as limited connectivity, digital illiteracy, high initial costs, and concerns
about data security pose obstacles to the widespread adoption of these applications. Despite these
challenges, ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, address affordability concerns, enhance
data privacy measures, and provide adequate training can contribute to a more inclusive and
effective integration of mobile and internet-based applications in fruit production and
management. The success of these technologies depends on collaborative efforts among
governments, technology developers, Horticulture extension services, and the farming
communities themselves. As technology continues to evolve, there is immense potential for
mobile and internet-based applications to play a transformative role in shaping the future of fruit
production.
23. Reference
Khan, N., Ray, R. L., Kassem, H. S., Khan, F. U., Ihtisham, M., & Zhang, S. (2022). Does the
adoption of mobile internet technology promote wheat productivity? Evidence from rural farmers.
Sustainability, 14(13), 7614. doi: 10.3390/ su14137614.
Khan, T. (2022, June 23). Are farmers harvesting the power of tech? The real tech penetration that
has touched Bharat. https:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/author/tauseef-khan.
Khan, N., Siddiqui, B. N., Khan, N., Khan, F., Ullah, N., Ihtisham, M., … Muhammad, S. (2020).
Analyzing mobile phone usage in agricultural modernization and rural development. International
Journal of Agricultural Extension, 8(2), 139–147.
