Information System for Arid Fruit Crops

Abstract

At present days the conventional extension system has been facing several challenges in delivering information to farmers as farmers need is much more diversified and more knowledge driven to address them is beyondthe level of grass root extension functionariesIt is possible to deliver information timely by computer based technologies and Information Communication Technologies (ICT), which are interlink among extension, research, marketing network and farm communities to provide information at the arid region, Information System for Arid Fruit Crops was developed at Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner. The software was developed using MS-A ccess as back-end and asp pages and html pages,java script as front-end to provide easy interaction with database is developed. This System integrates the accumulated expertise of various disciplines into a frame workthat best addresses the specific problems and on-site needs of the farmers. It combines experimental and conventional knowledge with reasoning skills of specialists to help farmers in making best decisions for raising a successful crop. The fruit crops chosen for the Information System are Aonla, Ber, Bael, Pomegranate and Date p alm. The Information System has 5 modules, one each for each fruit crop. Each module further divided into 3 sections, such as 1. Production Management; 2. Statistics of the fruit crop.3.Post Harvest Management. Further these modules are subdivided into sub modules covering different parameters of fruit crops information. It has also provision to update the information of fruit crops. The Information System is useful for Agricultural Extension Agents farmers, and other stake holders involved in Arid Horticulture to realise higher productivity and production of fruit crops through improved knowledge and skill sets.