Smartphones have become very helpful tools for farmers. With better internet access in villages, farmers can now use mobile apps to improve their farming activities. These apps help farmers make smart decisions, grow better crops, and earn more money. From planting seeds to selling their crops, farmers can use smartphone apps throughout the farming process.
1. Farm Advisories
Farm advisory apps give farmers useful information for taking care of their crops and soil. These apps offer tips and advice based on where the farmer lives and the type of crop being grown.
- Weather Forecasts: Apps like Skymet Weather, IMD Mausam, and AccuWeather show daily and weekly weather updates. Farmers can use this to plan watering, spraying pesticides, or harvesting.
- Crop Management: Apps like Kisan Suvidha, IFFCO Kisan, and AgriCentral give suggestions for using fertilizers, protecting crops from pests and diseases, and improving yields. Some apps even let farmers upload pictures of their plants, and the app will tell them what's wrong.
- Soil Health and Testing: Using apps like Soil Health Card and CropIn, farmers can check the quality of their soil. These apps give fertilizer suggestions based on test results, helping crops grow better without wasting resources.
2. Market Price Information
Getting fair prices is important for farmers. Earlier, farmers had to depend on middlemen or local traders. Now, smartphone apps help farmers find market prices quickly.
- AgMarknet: A government app that shows daily prices of crops from over 3,000 mandis (markets) across India.
- eNAM (National Agriculture Market): This app helps farmers sell their produce online and see the latest rates. It also provides tools to weigh and grade produce for fairer trade.
- RML AgTech and FarmBee: These apps send price alerts and help farmers track price trends. They also give tips on the best time to sell.
- Krishify and Mandi Trades: These apps let farmers talk directly with buyers and other farmers, helping them connect and make better deals.
3. Post-Harvest Management
After harvesting, farmers still need to store and sell their produce properly to avoid losses. Many apps support post-harvest work.
- Storage and Packaging Tips: Apps like AgriCentral, Kisan Suvidha, and AgriApp give advice on how to store grains, fruits, and vegetables so they stay fresh longer.
- Connecting with Buyers: Apps like AgriBazaar, NinjaCart, and DeHaat help farmers sell directly to shops, exporters, and big buyers. This means more money for farmers.
- Grading Produce: Some apps like AI Krishi use smart technology to check the quality of fruits or vegetables using photos. This helps farmers get better prices for higher-quality products.
- Transport Help: New apps also offer support for transporting crops and keeping them fresh during travel using cold storage.
Conclusion
Smartphone apps are changing how farming works in India. They help farmers plan better, grow more, and sell at good prices. These tools also reduce waste and improve income. As more farmers learn to use these apps, farming will become more modern, profitable, and sustainable. In the future, even more useful apps will be made to support farmers in every step of their journey.
