ICRISAT's new gaming app to help small farmers adopt climate-smart practices
MRIDA (Managing Resources for Integrated Development of Agriculture) was created as part of a GIZ-funded research project to conduct a detailed and rigorous assessment of agricultural management practices for their potential to sequester carbon.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 4 Dec 2022 9:30 AM GMT
Hyderabad: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed a mobile gaming app 'MRIDA' that helps smallholder farmers strategize climate-smart agricultural management practices to increase soil carbon, which in turn increases yield and resilience.
MRIDA (Managing Resources for Integrated Development of Agriculture) was created as part of a GIZ-funded research project to conduct a detailed and rigorous assessment of agricultural management practices for their potential to sequester carbon. Mrida is Hindi for "dirt."
To create the app, a team of scientists conducted a modelling study from 2020 to 2022 and created a game that encourages people to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices. The game app was created in collaboration with Vasudhaika Software Private Limited.
"The gaming software will educate farmers on four critical topicsāpfertiliser, crop selection, biochar application, and irrigation. They can make their picks and calculate organic carbon and yield output based on the season. The advice will assist them in making better on-farm decisions," said Dr. M.L Jat, Global Research Program director of ICRISAT's Resilient Farm and Food Systems.
The app is currently based on a modelling research completed in five Maharashtra districts (Jalna, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Amravati, and Yavatmal) and eight Odisha districts (Angul, Bolangir, Deogarh, Dhenkenal, Kalahandi, Kendujhar, Nuapada, and Sundegarh). The software will allow scientists to collect data in order to better understand the decision-making processes of farmers.
"Improper application of fertilisers and other agrochemicals degrades soil health and increases environmental footprints. This software will inspire farmers to investigate and implement regenerative agricultural strategies that prioritise soil carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. It will also educate farmers about carbon credits," said Dr. Arvind Kumar, ICRISAT's deputy director of general research.
