KOTTAYAM: Rubber farmers can forget the difficulties in getting information on manures in their plantations. Now, the information will be available on their smartphones. The Rubber Board has developed a database of the nutrient statuses of rubber holdings and introduced an app-based online manurial recommendation system for farmers’ benefits.
Developed under the aegis of James Jacob, director of Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), the system is perhaps the world’s first such technology for rubber and the country’s first for any crop.
“Using satellite-based systems, the app will inform farmers of the current nutrient status of their holdings and the amount of fertiliser the holdings need irrespective of the location.
It is christened the Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS). It is a powerful information and communication technology (ICT) tool for agricultural extension,” A Ajith Kumar, chairman and executive director, Rubber Board, said on Monday. It also recommends the optimum mix and quantities of chemical fertilisers the holdings require. It is expected farmers can save up to Rs 21 crore through RubSIS.
“RubSIS ensures expensive chemical fertilisers are applied scientifically, only if required and as per the soil’s existing fertility. Avoiding unnecessary use of chemical fertilisers will not only result in savings for the grower but also prevent soil degradation and air and water pollution,” said James Jacob.
RubSIS combines the principles of geospatial technology with soil science, agronomy and ICT for rubber growers’ benefit
Satellite-based remote sensing, Geographical Information System and fertility mapping of rubber growing soils have been applied to develop the database and recommendation system
RubSIS empowers rubber growers to take decisions regarding fertiliser application
It enables growers to access the status of 13 fertility parameters of rubber holding for free