Online rice expert system for extension professionals

Abstract

Expert systems are computer programs (may be extended to mobile interfaces) that solve problems by mimicking human reasoning processes, relying on logic, rules of thumb opinion and experience. Rice Expert System has been developed for extension professionals and farmers to act as an interface to diagnose the field problems. Generally farmers face problems like choosing suitable varieties, knowledge on pesticides/fungicides application, pest and disease problems, yield losses etc. which conventionally difficult to address. An attempt was made to develop an expert system for rice varieties, pests and diseases to aid in the decision making at farm level. This expert system consists of series of questions and answers to diagnose the problem, to browse directly major pests/diseases/varieties, to access information on better crop protection measures, commonly used pesticides for rice and frequently asked questions.On line expert system is a dynamic system to diagnose pest and disease problems at field level. The alpha version of the system was successfully hosted on public domain and can be upgraded for various ecosystems. This facility is expected to aid and enhance the performance of progressive farmers and agricultural extension personnel and reduce the time required to tackle biotic stresses without waiting for an expert advice. Further this system can be integrated with mobile phones to reach each and every farmer of the country.This has been designed to help extension workers, farmers and other stakeholders in identifying the field problems they face in Indian rice fields. The diagnostics is basically based on the stage of the crop, but has options to select or search at any point based on symptoms, type of problems. The tool helps to identify the possible causal agent and the management options in brief. Varietal and management techniques can also be browsed through based on the agro-climatic conditions across the country. Similar comprehensive expert systems across the major crops in India will help extension system to be more effective. Key words : Expert systems, Interface, suitable varieties, agro-climatic conditions.