Summary
A mobile app developed to connect with and educate small tea growers on good agricultural practices, including pesticide use and disease prevention, is experiencing mixed feedback regarding its effectiveness.
Mobile App for Small Tea Growers: Benefits and Challenges
Highlights
App's Purpose and Features
Bidyananda Borkakoty, vice-chairman of the Tea Board of India, highlighted a mobile app for small tea cultivators. This app aims to provide knowledge on good agricultural practices, connect with growers online, and offer information on plant protection codes, pesticide guidelines, and disease prevention.
Growers' Opinion and Challenges
A study in Udalguri district found that 76% of male and 24% of female respondents consider the app beneficial for improving tea cultivation. However, 84% of male and 16% of female respondents believe the app is not beneficial. Small tea growers (STGs) indicate that the app is useful for those who know how to operate it, but others found it difficult to use.