Krishi Mitra

Mobile Application Design for Improving Agricultural Methods in Maharashtra

Problem Statement

In Maharashtra, farmers face significant challenges in managing crop diseases, resulting in substantial yield losses and financial strain. Most farmers are also unaware of the government schemes available to support them in this regard. Existing tools for disease detection and management are often inaccessible and inadequate, leaving farmers without essential support.

To address this, a user-friendly mobile application is essential to provide timely and accurate information on crop diseases. This project aims to revolutionize agricultural practices in Maharashtra by empowering farmers with actionable insights, including awareness of government schemes, to enhance productivity and livelihoods.

RESEARCH

My Main Research Area

Hasur Khurd, located in Kolhapur, holds special significance in my research journey. It serves as my primary research area due to the accessibility it provides for face-to-face interviews with local farmers. In this rural setting, many farmers are not accustomed to using digital tools such as Google Forms, making in-person interviews essential for gathering insights.

Additionally, my network extends beyond Hasur to include farmers from various regions across Maharashtra, enriching my understanding of agricultural practices beyond a single locality. As a result, while Hasur serves as the focal point of my research, insights from other regions in Maharashtra, combined with secondary research, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in agriculture. It’s important to note that initially, the app will be launched in the Maharashtra region only, reflecting the focus and scope of my research efforts

Stakeholder Mapping

Maharashtra Language Profile

Maharashtra, a vibrant state in western India, boasts a rich linguistic diversity reflected in its language profile. With Marathi being the predominant language, spoken by approximately 68.84% of the population, it serves as the cultural and linguistic heart of the region.

Alongside Marathi, other significant languages include Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati, contributing to the mosaic of linguistic traditions within the state.

Problems Faced by Farmers in Maharashtra

1. Major Problems

1. Inadequate access to crop insurance schemes
2. Poor training and extension facilities
3. Impact of climate change

4. Price volatility

5. Limited spending on R&D by Government

6. Soil fertility depletion

7. Small and Fragmented land holdings
8. Lack of Marketing and Storage facilities
9. Poor Adoption of Mechanization

10. Credit Availability

11. Poor irrigation facilities

7. Small and Fragmented land holdings
8. Lack of Marketing and Storage facilities
9. Poor Adoption of Mechanization

10. Credit Availability

11. Poor irrigation facilities

7. Small and Fragmented land holdings
8. Lack of Marketing and Storage facilities
9. Poor Adoption of Mechanization

10. Credit Availability

11. Poor irrigation facilities

2. Season Wise Problems

Kharif Season (Monsoon)

1. Erratic Rainfall
2. Soil Erosion
3. Pest and Disease Outbreaks

4. Market Fluctuations

Rabi Season (Winter)

1. Unreliable Rainfall
2. Frost Damage
3. Limited Irrigation Facilities

4. Pest Attacks

1. Unreliable Rainfall
2. Frost Damage
3. Limited Irrigation Facilities

4. Pest Attacks

Year-round Challenges

1. Soil Degradation
2. Water Scarcity
3. High Input Costs

4. Limited Market Access

5. Lack of Technology and Knowledge

3. Other Problems

1. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers
2. Droughts
3. Water scarcity

4. High interest rates

5. Inadequate transport

Interviewing Farmers in Person

I spoke with 30 farmers in my research area face-to-face to learn about their methods and obstacles when it comes to disease detection. These exchanges gave rise to insightful discussions that shaped my project's direction and indicated its applicability to actual agricultural problems.