Software developed for crop specific fertiliser advice
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
FE Report
Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) Monday introduced newly developed software known as Digital Fertiliser Recommendation System.
In cooperation with reputed market development project 'Katalyst' it (SRDI) has developed the software, capable to generate crop specific fertiliser recommendation distinctively for unions across the country.
The system was formally introduced 'on an experimental basis' at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) auditorium in the capital.
Chaired by SRDI director Md Hamidul Haque, secretary of agriculture ministry CQK Mustaq Ahmed formally inaugurated the system as chief guest.
Farmers from anywhere in the country would get access to this latest software through two leading mobile phone operators Grameenphone and Banglalink, SRDI director Md Hamidul Haque said while explaining the system.
"To obtain the service, farmers need only to provide five basic information, such as, name of crop, type of land, names of district, upazila and union," he added.
Appreciating the idea of the system, the agriculture secretary said this system will benefit farmers by mitigating unnecessary use of fertiliser and reducing production cost.
"A large amount of fertiliser goes waste for excessive use. This is bad for the farmer as well as harmful to the environment," Mr Ahmed added.
Speakers on the occasion cited a research finding conducted by SRDI that identified utilisation of fertiliser according to this new system can enhance production of rice crops by 20 to 25 per cent. This will also enable farmers to earn 10 to 15 per cent more from other crops.
To provide effective information, the Digital Fertiliser Recommendation System has developed a comprehensive database combining data from 459 upazila across the country. Initially, this programme will cover some 30 upazila as part of a pilot programme, SRDI official said.
After closely monitoring the effects in these 30 upazila, SRDI and Katalyst will finalise a policy to bring the entire country under this system, SRDI official added.
Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) Monday introduced newly developed software known as Digital Fertiliser Recommendation System.
In cooperation with reputed market development project 'Katalyst' it (SRDI) has developed the software, capable to generate crop specific fertiliser recommendation distinctively for unions across the country.
The system was formally introduced 'on an experimental basis' at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) auditorium in the capital.
Chaired by SRDI director Md Hamidul Haque, secretary of agriculture ministry CQK Mustaq Ahmed formally inaugurated the system as chief guest.
Farmers from anywhere in the country would get access to this latest software through two leading mobile phone operators Grameenphone and Banglalink, SRDI director Md Hamidul Haque said while explaining the system.
"To obtain the service, farmers need only to provide five basic information, such as, name of crop, type of land, names of district, upazila and union," he added.
Appreciating the idea of the system, the agriculture secretary said this system will benefit farmers by mitigating unnecessary use of fertiliser and reducing production cost.
"A large amount of fertiliser goes waste for excessive use. This is bad for the farmer as well as harmful to the environment," Mr Ahmed added.
Speakers on the occasion cited a research finding conducted by SRDI that identified utilisation of fertiliser according to this new system can enhance production of rice crops by 20 to 25 per cent. This will also enable farmers to earn 10 to 15 per cent more from other crops.
To provide effective information, the Digital Fertiliser Recommendation System has developed a comprehensive database combining data from 459 upazila across the country. Initially, this programme will cover some 30 upazila as part of a pilot programme, SRDI official said.
After closely monitoring the effects in these 30 upazila, SRDI and Katalyst will finalise a policy to bring the entire country under this system, SRDI official added.