Game app to sensitise farmers on soil carbon sequestration

MRIDA (Managing resources for integrated development of agriculture) was developed as part of a research project funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to conduct a detailed and rigorous assessment of agricultural management practices for their potential to sequester carbon. Mrida in Hindi means soil.

"We are happy to partner with GIZ in bringing user-friendly technology that not only educates farmers on soil conservation but also captures farmers attitudes to soil management practices in the face of climate change, providing valuable insights to policymakers and governments," said Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT.

To develop the app, a team of scientists undertook a modelling study from 2020 to 2022 and developed a game that facilitates behavioural change for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. The game app was developed in collaboration with an Indian software enterprise.

App will encourage farmers to apply regenerative agriculture practices
 

“The game app will sensitise farmers on four key elements – fertiliser, crop selection, biochar application and irrigation. Based on the season, they can make their selections and ascertain organic carbon and yield output. The recommendations will help them make better on-farm decisions,” said Dr ML Jat, Global Research Programme Director, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT.

The app is currently based on a modelling study conducted in five districts of Maharashtra (Jalna, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Amravati and Yavatmal) and eight districts of Odisha (Angul, Bolangir, Deogarh, Dhenkenal, Kalahandi, Kendujhar, Nuapada and Sundegarh). The app will enable scientists to collect data to understand the decision triggers among farmers.

“Indiscriminate use of fertilisers and other agro-chemicals deteriorates soil health and increases environmental footprints. This app will encourage farmers to explore and apply regenerative agriculture practices and focus not just on yield output but also soil carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. It will also educate farmers on carbon credits,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT.

In addition to English, the app is also being developed in Marathi, and is available on Google PlayStore.

(ICRISAT)